The police have registered an FIR, against miscreants who are spreading misinformation on demolition drive, based on a complaint from the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB), after rumours claiming that 675 JJ bastis (slum clusters) across the city were set to be demolished went viral, officials said on Friday.
This comes after Chief Minister Rekha Gupta issued an order to take strict legal action against those spreading misinformation about the demolition drive. Acting promptly on a formal complaint filed by the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB), the Delhi Police has lodged an FIR against anti-social elements involved in spreading misinformation.
The DUSIB has earlier categorically clarified that no such demolition action has been taken so far by the department. Only those JJ bastis have been identified for rehabilitation under policy, against which directions has been passed by court. The misinformation being spread is baseless, unverified, and malicious, and could lead to law-and-order issues. In light of the same, station house officer is requested to take action against those anti-social elements who are spreading such baseless rumours and file an FIR accordingly.
Officials clarified that the list being shared is available on the DUSIB website for record and planning purposes only. It is not a demolition list. The fake news caused panic among slum dwellers in
several areas. The Chief Minister has directed officials to maintain open communication with JJ residents and also urged citizens not to fall prey to such fabricated claims and to verify all information through official channels.
CM has stated the Government would not allow anyone to spread fear among poor families by sharing fake information. She asked people to trust only official sources for news and reassured residents that no slum would be demolished without proper rehabilitation. “Delhi belongs to everyone. No one will lose their home without getting a pucca (permanent) house in return,” she said. The CM added that action would be taken against those trying to create fear and tension in the city. She also directed officials to talk to slum residents and clear their doubts.
This comes at a time when the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) also faced questions after demolishing 45 huts at Bhoomiheen Camp in Govindpuri, South East Delhi. The DDA clarified that these demolitions were carried out only after the Delhi High Court dismissed petitions against them on May 26.
According to the DDA, the 45 families who lost their jhuggis were not on the official DUSIB survey list and were not eligible for rehabilitation. The Bhoomiheen Camp had about 3,480 jhuggi households, of which 1,862 were found eligible and have already been shifted to EWS flats in Pocket A-14, Kalkaji Extension.
In earlier drives held in June and July 2023, around 935 more jhuggis were removed. However, 683 jhuggis still remain due to court stay orders, proximity to religious structures, or ongoing legal matters. The High Court is currently hearing 55 petitions involving 435 petitioners, some of whom are minors, commercial occupants, or people not on the survey list.
The DDA said the demolition was necessary to recover land for other housing projects nearby and to prevent illegal encroachments. Officials said the action followed court directions and only targeted ineligible structures.
Both the DDA and the Delhi Government have urged the public not to believe rumours and assured that proper process is being followed in all cases. They also asked residents to reach out to DUSIB or local officials if they have concerns or questions.