Social activist Bela Bhatia threatened, asked to leave Bastar

Prominent social activist Bela Bhatia on Monday alleged that she was threatened by local "goons" and asked to leave the place within 24 hours or face "consequences".

According to Bhatia, about 30-35 goons came to her house in Parpa village (outside Jagdalpur, Bastar) Monday morning and gave her 24 hours to leave.

"Some 30 - 35 local goons today (Monday) came to my house around between 12.30- 2.30 a.m. and threatened me leave the place immediately or they would burn my house. They were really threatening and shouting slogans against me such as Bela Bhatia Murdabad, Bela ko bahar nikalo," Bhatia told IANS over the phone from Bastar.

Bhatia said that a similar incident had happened on January 21 night when the same goons were banging the door and shouting slogans against her.

"They have threatened to burn my house if I don't vacate my home and leave the place in next 24 hours," said Bhatia.

Asked if she had lodged an FIR with the local police, Bhatia told IANS: "After the incident I have not been able to leave my home. I spoke to the Bastar's Superintendent of Police R. N. Das. I will file the complain tomorrow morning."

"Currently the police has deployed some 10-15 police constables, including women constables outside my house. The SP will be meeting me soon," said Bhatia.

Bhatia said that she was trying seek the help of police so that she could have some more time to leave the place. Bhatia has also urged the District Collector to arrange for a temporary accommodation for the timing.

--IANS

rup/rn