Rent hike dispute takes cruel turn: Tenants go to police, return to demolished home

KOLLAM: A house was demolished using a JCB in Chithara amid a rent dispute between the owner and the tenants. The house where Chithara natives Abdul Wahid and Suhra Beevi had been living was demolished while the dispute between the tenants and the owner was pending before a court.

Abdul Wahid and Suhra Beevi had been living in the rented house for several years. Months ago, the house owner demanded an increase in the rent. A dispute arose after the tenants said they were not willing to pay the increased rent. The matter was subsequently taken to court, and the order was in favour of the tenants.

The house was demolished while Abdul Wahid and Suhra Beevi had gone to the police station in connection with the rent dispute. The demolition was carried out using a JCB under the owner's direction.

The house was completely demolished. Their clothes and other household belongings were destroyed in the demolition. The well and toilet were also destroyed. The police have called both parties in connection with the incident.