People of the Nakkala community who live in make-shift huts at LB Nagar on Wednesday alleged that they were attacked by a group of 250 thugs on Saturday in an attempt to evacuate them from their homes.
At a press conference organised by the Human Rights Forum and Basthi Vikas Manch on Wednesday, the residents narrated their ordeal of being abused and threatened.
S Jeevan Kumar, president, Human Rights Forum, said that some ministers were eyeing the two-acre land where the Nakkala community lives in their tents, as its current market value is close to 60 crore. “Earlier the slum dwellers were threatened to evacuate the land. At around 2 am. on Saturday, a group of thugs attacked the people and even bulldozed some of their tents,” said Jeevan Kumar.
Geetha, one of the victims, said the miscreants even roughed up women and threatened to rape them if they did not vacate the place. Another victim said that even children were not spared. The men sprayed pepper in the children’s eyes.
Another resident said that he was kidnapped by 40 people who took him to a forest in Nalgonda district and tortured him. “When they got to know that some of their men were arrested, they left me in the jungle. A local helped me to get to the hospital,” he said.
Jeevan Kumar said that though the police arrested 22 people and posted two police personnel in the area, further investigation needs to be carried in view of the gravity of the incident. He also questioned the district administration’s silence on such a major issue.
The representatives said the residents are living in a state of fear as threats continue. They demanded more protection for the people. “District collector should immediately visit the area and call for an investigation into the issue,” demanded Jeevan Kumar.
