The Supreme Court on Friday issued notices to the Rajasthan government and the state police chief to probe into the demolition of tribal homes by a mine owner in a village in the Kota district.
While ruling that the well-being of the tribals was important, the Court asked them to file a report within four weeks.
The tribals had filed a writ petition for rebuilding of temples and houses that had been razed. The court learned that many tribals had run away from the village fearing the wrath of the authorities.
Such was the demolition spree that the authorities in cahoots with the mine owner did not even make an exception for the banyan tree worshipped by the tribals.
The bench sought details on the matter from tribals present in the court and assessed the situation before passing the order.
The tribals told the court that they had approached concerned officials and reported the matter but nothing happened.
The mine owner contended that the buildings and temples razed stood on the land over which he had mining rights.