- Dalit community selling house due to lack of basic amenities
- Social media video sparks probe
Dewas: A viral video from Panthmundla village, which claimed that the Dalit community’s land was being encroached upon by the Muslim community, has been debunked. A ground-level investigation has revealed that the “House for Sale” posters on homes were not a sign of forced displacement but a desperate plea for basic amenities from the villagers.
Upon closer inspection, locals clarified that while some individuals have indeed encroached on government land, the viral video’s claims of communal land grab are unfounded. The posters were a dramatic effort by residents to draw the attention of the authorities to their long-standing grievances.
= Key issues faced by the Dalit Community:
* Lack of basic infrastructure: The community has been struggling for years without proper drainage systems, roads, and a reliable water supply.
* Irregular power supply: Villagers report frequent and prolonged power outages, disrupting daily life and making it difficult to function.
* Uncompensated storm damage: Despite severe damage to their homes from a recent storm, villagers have yet to receive any compensation or aid from the government.
Residents expressed their frustration, stating that repeated complaints to local departments have gone unanswered. Feeling ignored, they resorted to the “For Sale” posters as a last-ditch effort to get their voices heard.
= Collector orders immediate investigation
The viral video, despite its misleading claims, has successfully brought the issue to the attention of the district administration. District Collector Ritunraj Singh has promptly ordered a full and impartial investigation. He has assured the villagers that their genuine problems will be addressed without delay.
