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New Delhi: The Banda district administration has demolished the residence of a 30-year-old farmer, accused of raping and murdering a minor girl, after concluding that the structure was illegally raised on gram sabha land. The accused, who is currently lodged in jail, had been living in the house with his wife and children.
On Tuesday afternoon, a joint team of police and revenue officials reached the 3,000-sqft home. With the house locked and no family members present, officials broke the main door before entering. Household items including furniture, utensils, documents, and personal belongings were shifted to a safe location before bulldozers pulled down the structure. “All legal procedures were followed before the demolition. The house stood on gram sabha land,” said Banda Sub-Divisional Magistrate Ankit Verma, adding that notices were issued in advance to the family, The Indian Express reported.
The criminal case dates back to June 3, when the accused allegedly lured the minor to his house with the promise of chocolate. Police say he sexually assaulted her and, fearing identification, also attacked her. Believing the child had died, he wrapped her in a plastic bag and abandoned her in a nearby jungle patch at night. When the girl did not return home, her parents and villagers launched a search. They discovered the bag and rushed her to the district hospital after finding her alive but unconscious. Despite intensive care, she succumbed to her injuries 10 days later.
The accused was arrested on June 4 following a police operation in which he sustained a leg injury during an exchange of fire. Meanwhile, district authorities ordered a revenue inquiry into his property. Records confirmed that the brick house had encroached upon village land. Notices were served on the family, but no response or documentary proof was provided to contest the findings. Officials later passed an order for removal of the encroachment. With the family failing to comply, a task force carried out the demolition on Tuesday.
