Kharghar: A 61-year-old tribal man, Balu Datta Kamble, died after being found injured in a hut during an anti-encroachment drive by the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) in Belpada, Kharghar, on October 27. His family has alleged that the operation led to his death, while CIDCO maintains that his hut was not targeted.

According to residents, CIDCO’s unauthorised constructions department began demolishing structures in the tribal settlement on Tuesday morning under police protection. Residents opposed the action, claiming they possessed house-tax receipts for their homes.

During the drive, Kamble reportedly entered another hut. He was later found injured inside, prompting officials to arrange an ambulance with police assistance. He was taken to hospital, but the circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear. Residents alleged that the demolition drive caused him severe stress.

Following the incident, Kamble’s family demanded that a case be registered against the officials concerned under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. His son, Datta Kamble, and other relatives refused to take custody of the body until their demand was addressed. BJP MLA Vikrant Patil and local leaders also sought action against the officials.

The body was sent to Panvel Sub-District Hospital for a post-mortem examination. Police personnel were deployed in the area to prevent tensions from escalating.

In its clarification, CIDCO said the operation involved removing an unauthorised commercial structure made of brickwork and a tin shed, along with a tarpaulin shed. Senior public relations officer Priya Ratambe stated that Kamble’s hut was not demolished during the drive.

The post-mortem report and police investigation are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.