New Delhi: A video capturing a confrontation between the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Todabhim, Rajasthan, and local villagers has gone viral on social media. The footage, reportedly from Thursday, shows the SDM facing intense backlash from residents after attempting to demolish a house constructed on a farmers land.SDM and villagers clash over demolitionThe video depicts SDM Sunita Meena, identified by her orange attire, engaged in a physical altercation with a rural woman who opposed the demolition of a house built on what the farmer claims to be khatedari (entitled) land. The confrontation escalates, with both the SDM and the woman involved in a prolonged scuffle until police officers intervened to de-escalate the situation.Police action results in suspension of SPGangapur City Superintendent of Police Sujeet Shankar has taken a serious view of the incident, attributing it to the negligence of the local police force. In response, he has issued a 17 CCA notice to Todabhim police station in-charge Dilip Verma and suspended duty officer Singh. Additionally, the police personnel present during the incident have also received a 17 CCA notice. The SP emphasized that the encroachment will be addressed promptly and law and order will be maintained.Dispute over property ownershipThe affected parties claim that the house in question was built on khatedari land, disputing the notion of encroachment. Meanwhile, SDM Sunita Meena has recently been transferred according to the Rajasthan Administrative Officer List. Pooja Meena has been appointed as her successor, but has yet to assume her duties, leaving Sunita Meena in charge at the Todabhim block headquarters for the time being.Social media outrage over videoThe viral video shows a woman assaulting the SDM by grabbing her braid, an incident that has sparked widespread outrage online. Reports indicate that the confrontation began during an anti-encroachment operation, escalating from a dispute with an elderly person to a physical altercation with the woman.टोडाभीम की SDM ग्रामीणों पर रौब जमा रही थी गांव की महिलाओं ने बाल पकड़कर SDM साहिबा को कानून का पाठ पढ़ा दिया।यह ग़लत है इस तरह ग्रामीणों पर रौब नहीं जमाना चाहिए ना ही ग्रामीणों को कानून को हाथ मे‌ लेना चाहिए। pic.twitter.com/vaCbUF1mDQ— Radhe Meena (@Radhemahwa) September 13, 2024Villagers accuse the SDM of acting arbitrarily and engaging in illegal recovery practices. Despite the gravity of the situation, no formal police complaint has been filed regarding the incident as of yet.
