Bulldozers demolish 24 homes in Jamshedpur, families left homeless

Jamshedpur: The Railway authorities today demolished 24 makeshift homes in Sundernagar, Jamshedpur, as part of an anti-encroachment drive. The operation, carried out near the railway crossing, has displaced dozens of poor families who had been residing in the area for years. The demolition was executed using bulldozers after residents were reportedly served notices to vacate the premises—but no compensation or alternative shelter was provided, leaving the families out in the open.

Residents, including women, children, and elderly people, could be seen sitting amidst the rubble, their eyes filled with despair and shock.

This action has drawn widespread criticism, particularly because it appears to violate Supreme Court directives, which mandate that authorities must offer compensation and proper rehabilitation before evicting any community. “This is not just a demolition of structures, but a demolition of lives,” said Manoj Tiwari, a local social worker from the Sundernagar Rights Forum.

Tiwari and other local activists argue that if the land was indeed encroached upon, the authorities had enough time to act with compassion and planning. “You cannot just wake up one day and bulldoze someone’s entire life,” he added.

Several residents claim that the notices were vague and came too close to the demolition date, leaving them no real opportunity to find alternate shelter. Moreover, they allege that railway authorities made no effort to engage with local leaders or welfare bodies to develop a transition plan for affected families.

“There is no dignity in what has been done,” said Rekha Devi, a 40-year-old widow whose small home was reduced to rubble. “We are poor, not criminals. At least give us time and a place to go.”

Local leaders, human rights organizations, and civil society groups have condemned the action, calling it inhuman, unlawful, and a violation of basic constitutional rights.

Protests erupted near the site by late afternoon, with slogans raised against the Railways and the administration for failing to safeguard the rights of vulnerable communities. Leaders of various opposition parties also arrived at the spot and assured the affected families of support.

In the wake of growing public outrage, local officials have called for an urgent review of the demolition and demanded a rehabilitation and compensation package for the affected families. There is also pressure on the district administration to engage with the Railways and hold discussions with civil society representatives.