Did the death of a shop owner during bulldozer action in Jabalpur spark a political controversy?
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Jabalpur, Feb 13 (NationPress) The unfortunate demise of a young entrepreneur whose shop was demolished by local authorities in Jabalpur district, Madhya Pradesh, has sparked a significant political uproar. The opposition is insisting on a thorough investigation and the provision of adequate compensation to the family of the deceased.
Reports indicate that Mintu Agarwal (39), a cloth merchant, collapsed when a team of revenue officials along with police forcefully destroyed his shop in the Bargi locality of the city on Thursday.
Mintu was swiftly transported to a nearby medical facility, where doctors confirmed he had suffered a cardiac arrest.
He passed away during treatment on Thursday night, prompting family members and fellow shopkeepers to protest outside the police station later that evening.
Outraged traders and residents demanded a First Information Report (FIR) against the officials for culpable homicide and requested a compensation of ₹10 lakh for the bereaved family. The demonstration concluded late that night after assurances from the authorities.
State Congress President Jitu Patwari publicly condemned the district administration's actions, arguing that the abrupt removal of a family’s means of livelihood is indicative of “insensitive governance.”
Patwari raised concerns about whether the Jabalpur district administration disregarded a stay order from the High Court pertaining to that shop. He stated, “If there was a stay order, why was it ignored? The government must provide answers.”
In a recent statement, the Congress leader urged Chief Minister Mohan Yadav to take stern action against the officials responsible and ensure that the victim's family receives both justice and appropriate compensation.
Meanwhile, footage has emerged showing Mintu preparing to open his shop on Thursday morning, only to be confronted by a team of revenue officials and police who issued a mere 10-minute ultimatum for him to vacate.
“We were never notified. Please, give us at least two hours,” Mintu’s brother, Manoj, could be heard pleading with the officials.
In the midst of shifting goods with his brother and other staff, Mintu suddenly collapsed and was rushed to the hospital, where he tragically died during treatment.