25 August 2024: Congress MP Imran Masood has strongly condemned the recent bulldozer action in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, describing it as a “highly unfortunate incident” and a violation of the rule of law. Masood, representing Saharanpur, launched a scathing attack on the Mohan Yadav-led government in Madhya Pradesh, criticising the use of bulldozers to demolish the homes of accused individuals following a violent incident in Chhatarpur City.
A few days ago, unrest erupted in Chhatarpur when some miscreants pelted stones, injuring the Station House Officer (SHO) and several police officers, and damaging police vehicles. In response, the administration conducted a bulldozer operation on the houses of the accused. On Friday, police conducted a flag march in the city, with special attention being paid to religious sites.
Masood has labelled the bulldozer action as an attack on the country’s democracy, urging the Supreme Court to take suo motu cognizance of the matter. “This bulldozer culture is trampling over the laws of our country. There was no court hearing, no trial, just direct action. Buildings were demolished without even giving the occupants a chance to retrieve their belongings. This is a blatant assault on our democratic principles,” Masood stated during his interaction with the media.
Furthermore, Masood alleged that the bulldozer action is being selectively applied against a particular religious community. “The law of the land should prevail, not the law of the bulldozer,” he remarked, calling for accountability and action against officials who, according to him, have become mere puppets in the hands of political leaders.
In connection with the Chhatarpur incident, the police have registered FIRs against more than 150 individuals, with 46 people identified so far.
