Hyderabad: Police have cautioned Village Development Committees (VDCs) against functioning as extra-constitutional bodies and directed them to stop settling disputes or enforcing their own rules in villages.
Though informal in nature and originally intended to aid village development, some VDCs have taken the law into their own hands. In April, police intervened after the Goud community in Tallarampur village, Nizamabad district, alleged they were being discriminated against for not complying with VDC orders. The committee had reportedly imposed social boycotts on those who defied them.
The Adilabad police on Friday said five cases have been registered so far against VDCs in Bela, Jainath, Boath, and Ichoda police station limits. The cases involve VDCs attempting to resolve civil disputes and extorting money from tractor owners transporting sand. On April 30, a VDC member, Bhuma Reddy, was booked in Jainath for extortion.
Adilabad superintendent of police Akhil Mahajan said VDCs were initially formed 15 years ago to support development activities. However, many have since begun operating like kangaroo courts, passing judgments on land disputes, marital issues, and family matters. Some committees have even prevented villagers from approaching the police or judiciary for redress.
The SP added that VDCs are also exerting control over local businesses by auctioning shop permits and threatening excommunication to those who defy their mandates. He urged residents to report any harassment by VDCs to the police without hesitation.
