India, Nov. 5 -- Mohan Chandra Pargaien

The demolition of the homes of 12 Barela tribal families in Kosmi village, Sehore district, has triggered a political storm in Madhya Pradesh. Officials from the Madhya Pradesh Forest Development Corporation carried out the demolition, saying it followed alleged encroachment on forest land and damage to a plantation planted in 2021. The affected families, however, maintain that they have lived and cultivated the land for generations. Union Agriculture Minister has sharply criticised the officials and demanded action against them. The episode raises a larger concern: how easily frontline forest officials can become scapegoats when enforcing the law brings them into conflict with political interests-...