Local Complains About Demolition of House in Butwal

Butwal. A local of Darbar Marg, Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City-4, has complained about not being given enough time to vacate his house. Bhaktaraj Basnet, who has been living in the area for a long time, has expressed serious objection after the government bulldozed the house. On Monday, he organized a press conference in Butwal and accused the local government of inhumane behavior during the demolition of his house.

He, who describes himself as a political victim, expressed anger that he was only informed about the house demolition the previous night. 'Information was given through mikings at 8:30 the previous day, I was preparing to vacate the house from early morning, but even when I asked for 2 hours, it was ignored,' he said, 'The bulldozer was used without even letting me eat the cooked food.'

Basnet said that his property worth lakhs of rupees was damaged due to not being able to move the household items. He claimed that other houses mentioned in the notice have not been removed yet and accused discrimination based on influence.

He also stated there that in 2047 BS, he was shot and injured while clearing public land in Naya Gaun, Gulmi. He said that the doctor had advised that the bullet still in his leg could cause paralysis if removed.

The then government investigated the incident and provided him with treatment expenses and compensation. According to that decision, he was provided land in Butwal through the Squatter Problem Resolution Commission in 2052 BS, and he has been living in a house built on that land, he said.

'I am living on land provided according to government decision, but my house was demolished without any arrangement,' he said, 'Now I am preparing to seek legal remedy for this matter.' Responding to reporters' questions, Basnet also said that he is preparing to go through legal proceedings for justice.