Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday joined a protest by tribal families in Kosmi village in Madhya Pradesh’s Sehore district after their houses were allegedly demolished during an anti-encroachment drive on forest land. Chouhan met the affected families, sat with the protesters until late at night and assured them that those responsible would face strict action. The demolitions were allegedly carried out by staff of the Madhya Pradesh Van Vikas Nigam, also known as the Forest Development Corporation, during an operation targeting encroachments on forest land. The incident triggered protests by tribal residents, who gathered to express their anger and distress over the loss of their homes.

Chouhan, who represents the Vidisha Lok Sabha constituency, visited Kosmi village after learning about the demolitions. During his visit, he interacted with the affected families and joined their protest, expressing concern over the circumstances in which the houses were allegedly razed. He assured the residents that he would raise the matter with the state government and seek action against those responsible. “The houses where children's laughter echoed until this morning now ring with their screams. Women are beating their chests and weeping. The perpetrators are heartless and insensitive; even God will not forgive them. I will speak to the chief minister and seek the strictest action against those responsible,” Chouhan said.

The Union minister’s remarks reflected the distress among families who said they had lost their homes during the drive. His presence at the protest brought the incident into sharper political focus, with Chouhan calling for accountability over the alleged demolitions. He remained with the protesters until late at night, listening to their concerns and assuring them that their grievances would be taken up with the authorities. Chouhan also spoke to Madhya Pradesh Chief Secretary Ashok Barnwal and state BJP president Hemant Khandelwal about the incident. He apprised them of the developments in Kosmi village and sought their intervention. The conversations formed part of his efforts to bring the matter to the attention of the state administration and push for action following the demolition of the tribal families’ houses.

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The incident centres on an anti-encroachment operation on forest land, during which the homes were allegedly demolished by Forest Development Corporation staff. While the operation was reportedly intended to address encroachments, the circumstances surrounding the removal of the houses have prompted concerns among the affected families and calls for the authorities to examine the conduct of the officials involved. Chouhan’s intervention highlights the challenge of balancing enforcement measures on forest land with the concerns of people whose homes are affected by such operations. Anti-encroachment drives can involve complicated questions about land use, possession and the rights of residents. Establishing the circumstances of the demolitions, including the procedures followed and the status of the affected households, will be important in determining what action may be warranted. The minister’s demand for strict action came as protesters sought a response from the authorities.

By visiting the village and speaking directly with the affected families, Chouhan signalled that he intended to raise their concerns with the state leadership. His communication with the chief secretary and the state BJP president also indicated that he was seeking administrative and political intervention. The available information does not specify whether the affected families had received prior notices, whether alternative accommodation had been arranged or what findings, if any, had been made about the legality of the demolitions. Those details will be relevant to understanding the operation and assessing the concerns raised by the residents. The incident has also drawn attention to the impact of demolition drives on vulnerable households. Losing a home can disrupt family life, access to essential services and children's daily routines. Chouhan referred to the distress of women and children while criticising the alleged actions of those involved. His comments underscored the immediate human consequences of the operation in Kosmi village.

Chouhan said he would speak to the chief minister and seek the strictest possible action against those responsible. However, further details about any formal inquiry, disciplinary proceedings or official response to his intervention were not included in the available information. For the affected tribal families, the immediate concern remains the loss of their homes and the need for the authorities to address their grievances. Chouhan’s visit and his discussions with senior state officials have brought the issue to the attention of the administration. The next steps will depend on how the state government responds, whether the allegations against the officials are examined and what measures are taken to address the families’ situation. The episode has placed the alleged demolitions in Kosmi village at the centre of a dispute over the enforcement of forest-land rules and the treatment of affected residents. Chouhan has called for accountability, while the circumstances of the operation and any official findings remain to be established.

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