A major controversy has erupted in Lahuar village, Mahishi circle, Saharsa district, concerning an administrative drive to remove encroachments. Dozens of Mahadalit families in the village have accused the Circle Officer (CO) of bias and discrimination during the demolition process. On Thursday, the victims submitted an application to the District Magistrate, demanding a high-level inquiry into the matter and the impartial removal of encroachments from government and religious trust lands.

In their application, residents of Lahuar, including Nathan Ram and Bechani Devi, stated that various parcels of land under Khata No. 289 are registered in the name of the 'Government of Bihar'. Additionally, 16 dismil land under Khata No. 235, Khesra No. 188, belongs to 'Radhakrishna Thakurwadi' (a religious trust). Villagers allege that influential individuals have illegally constructed permanent structures and other constructions on these valuable government and religious lands for private use.

Victims claim that the administration selectively demolished only their homes, while sparing other alleged encroachers on the same land. They describe the action as one-sided and discriminatory. Panchayat committee members and affected villagers have appealed to the district administration to conduct a fresh survey of the entire area and an impartial investigation. They demand that all illegal encroachments be removed equally and that displaced poor families be provided with adequate relief and rehabilitation.

In response, Mahishi Circle Officer Sanjay Kumar dismissed the allegations as baseless. He stated that the encroachment removal drive was conducted according to rules, and people often make such unfounded accusations.