Tension mounted in Dibrugarh’s Loharpatty locality on Thursday as family members of 52-year-old Salma Begum and local residents launched a fast unto death, accusing authorities of moving at a “painfully slow” pace in demolishing the illegal building linked to her death. The protestors said the strike was their last resort to seek justice for Begum and to push officials to speed up the demolition drive.
Begum died on November 19 after construction materials from an under-construction 4-storied RCC structure crashed into her courtyard while she was washing utensils, triggering public outrage and an inquiry into the building’s legality. The multi-storey structure, owned by Mohd Yunus Khan, was later declared unsafe and in violation of the Assam Unified Building Construction (Regulation) Bye Laws 2022, prompting the Dibrugarh Municipal Corporation (DMC) to issue a demolition order.
Demolition began on Wednesday, but by Thursday residents said barely 20 percent of the structure had been brought down, with only two labourers seen working at the site. This slow progress angered locals, who accused the authorities of insensitivity and negligence despite the earlier tragedy.
“They are showing a complete lack of concern. Only two workers have been here for hours, and none of the senior officials have bothered to show up,” said local resident Javed Akhtar Khan, joining the fast along with other protestors.
Family members alleged that the pace of the operation and absence of top officials reflected a casual approach to both the demolition and the case itself. “This is why we are fasting. We want justice for Salma Begum and demand the immediate arrest of the building owner, Yunus Khan. It is outrageous that he secured bail despite the FIR filed by the family,” a relative said.
Police and CRPF personnel continue to maintain a heavy presence around the cordoned-off site to prevent any flare-up. Protesters vowed to continue their fast until the demolition is expedited and stricter action is initiated against those responsible for the illegal structure.
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