Bulldozer Action in Betul Village Sparks Outrage Over Alleged ‘Illegal Madrasa’ Rumour

A controversial bulldozer action in a Betul village school case has triggered widespread concern over governance, rumours, and due process in rural Madhya Pradesh. In a small village of Bhainsdehi tehsil, a private school under construction was partially demolished following rumours that it was meant to operate as an “illegal madrasa,” despite no such activity being found on the site.

The incident has once again brought into focus how unverified claims and administrative pressure can directly impact ordinary citizens.

What Happened in Dhaba Village, Betul?

The episode unfolded in Betul district, specifically in Dhaba village of Bhainsdehi tehsil.

• Abdul Naeem, a local resident, was constructing a private school building on his own land.
• Nearly ₹20 lakh had already been invested to provide nearby educational access for village children.
• The building was still incomplete, with no classes or religious activities underway.

However, rumours spread within the village claiming that an “illegal madrasa” would be run from the premises.

Demographics Add Context to the Controversy

Dhaba village has a population of around 2,000 residents, with only three to four Muslim households. Abdul Naeem clarified that:

• The structure was not operational as a school or madrasa.
• All available documents were shown to officials when they arrived to verify the site.
• He was instructed to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Gram Panchayat.

Pressure, Delays, and a Sudden Threat

According to Abdul Naeem:

• On 10 January, he approached the Panchayat office but was asked to return later.
• On 11 January evening, the Panchayat Secretary allegedly warned him to demolish the building himself, citing “pressure from above.”
• Such remarks raised fears that the decision was being influenced by factors beyond legal procedure.

NOC Issued, Yet Demolition Continues

Following resistance from villagers:

• The Gram Panchayat issued the NOC on 12 January.
• Sarpanch Ramrati Bai Kangale reportedly stated that no complaint regarding a madrasa had ever been received.

Despite this, the demolition order was not withdrawn.

Bulldozer Moves as Delegation Is Blocked

On 13 January, Abdul Naeem, accompanied by local leaders and workers of JAYS, attempted to submit a memorandum at the Betul Collector’s office.

• The group was stopped by police.
• At the same time, an SDM-led team carried out bulldozer action on part of the school building.

The timing of events has raised serious doubts among villagers and civil groups.

Administration’s Stand on the Bulldozer Action

The district administration maintained that the action was procedural, not communal.

Collector Narendra Suryavanshi clarified that:

• Mandatory NOC was not obtained before construction.
• The later-issued NOC was invalid, lacking required signatures.
• No school or madrasa was running in the building.

A Larger Question on Priorities

The bulldozer action in Betul village school case has sparked debate beyond one structure:

• Many government schools in Madhya Pradesh reportedly function without proper buildings.
• In several areas, children study under trees, without toilets or basic facilities.

This has led locals to question why a private educational initiative was demolished instead of being regularised.

Villagers Speak Out

Residents and JAYS workers insist:

• The school was being built with community consent.
• The sole aim was education, not religious activity.

Abdul Naeem stated that he was even willing to leave the village if his presence caused tension, but pleaded that the building not be destroyed.

This case is not just about a structure—it reflects the fragile balance between law, power, and public perception. When rumours gain strength and procedures appear inconsistent, the common citizen bears the loss.

The bulldozer action in Betul village school case raises urgent questions about fairness, accountability, and the need for verified decision-making in governance. Munsif News 24×7 will continue to follow developments closely.

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