INDORE: Authorities in Indore on Monday demolished the premises of an old age home after a viral video allegedly showed elderly residents being assaulted, while officials also claimed the facility had been operating from illegally occupied government land.
A joint team from the district administration and the Indore Municipal Corporation carried out the demolition at the Premashray Old Age Home in Maharana Pratap Nagar. Officials first removed furniture and other belongings before using earthmoving equipment to bring down the structure.
The operation was supervised by Sub-Divisional Magistrate Nidhi Verma.
The action followed the circulation of a video on social media that allegedly showed a minor striking elderly residents with a stick. The footage prompted widespread concern and led the district administration to initiate an inquiry.
According to officials, all elderly residents were relocated to alternative accommodation before the demolition began to ensure their safety and well-being. Authorities also said the minor involved would be referred to Childline for appropriate care and further legal procedures.
District officials said the property was operating beneath a municipal water tank on land belonging to the Indore Municipal Corporation. They further alleged that a building earmarked for an Anganwadi centre had also been occupied without authorisation.
The administration said the demolition was based on findings related to the alleged unauthorised occupation of public land. Officials added that action against illegal encroachments and violations involving public property would continue in accordance with the law.
During the operation, the home’s operator, Neelam Dubey, disputed the administration’s claims. She said the land had been provided for the old age home by former Municipal Industry Centre (MIC) member Santosh Gaur Singh after he suffered a brain haemorrhage and claimed to possess registration documents supporting the arrangement.
Dubey also said she was unaware of any issue concerning the Anganwadi building.
The district administration has not publicly confirmed the validity of the documents cited by the operator, and the matter remains under investigation.
Authorities have not announced whether additional legal action will be taken in connection with the alleged assault shown in the viral video. The investigation is continuing.
