Guwahati: The Gauhati High Court has directed the Assam government to disburse compensation to Rashida Khatun, wife of the deceased Safiqul Islam, whose house was illegally demolished by administration in Nagaon district.

The houses of Rashida Khatun and six other families were demolished by administration at Batadrava in Nagaon district, following an arson attack on the local police station in 2022.

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The court was hearing a Suo Motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in the matter.

The petitioner’s counsel, N.K. Sarma, informed the court that while compensation had been paid to six other families whose houses were demolished, Rashida Khatun was yet to receive hers.

According to an affidavit submitted to the Gauhati High Court, the government provided Rs 12 lakh each to two families whose houses were made of reinforced concrete (RCC).

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Four families residing in non-concrete structures received Rs 2.5 lakh each.

The Assam government, represented by Senior Government Advocate D. Nath, assured the court that the compensation amount had already been sanctioned by the Home Department and would be released to Rashida Khatun within the next two weeks.

Based on this assurance, the High Court disposed of the PIL on August 16.