Assam govt approves compensation for victims of demolished homes in Nagaon

GUWAHATI: Assam government has sanctioned compensation for six families whose homes were demolished by the police in Nagaon in 2022 following a fire that engulfed a police station, Scroll reported.

Following the alleged custodial death of fish trader Safikul Islam, a mob set fire to the Batadrava police station in Nagaon district of Assam on May 21, 2022.

Islam's family claimed that the police had demanded a bribe of Rs 10,000 and a duck for his release.

The day after the police station was set ablaze, law enforcement authorities demolished the residences of the accused individuals.

Although there are no legal provisions in Indian law to justify the demolition of homes belonging to those accused of crimes, this practice has become routine in several states governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

On May 30, 2022, one of the accused individuals in the police station arson case, Ashikul Islam, reportedly died in a road accident while attempting to flee police custody.

Meanwhile, the Assam home department informed Dipankar Nath, senior government advocate for the state, that it would provide Rs 10 lakh for each permanent structure demolished and Rs 2.5 lakh for temporary structures.

“The home department has submitted an online proposal for approval to the finance department on 30/04/2024,” stated the Assam home department.

“The payment of compensation will be processed upon receiving approval from the finance department.”

The Gauhati high court, recently, stated that a government-appointed committee had acknowledged Islam's demise as a case of custodial death.

“The state bears clear vicarious liability in this matter,” stated the Gauhati high court in Assam.

Furthermore, it noted, “Following the custodial death of Safiqul Islam, a disturbance ensued, and individuals gathered at the police station. Subsequently, the police demolished houses in the area, which led to the entire incident.”