Daya Sharma (45), a widow who lives with three daughters in a rented house on Gandhi Road in Camp No 5 (owned by the corporator), says she was threatened and told to vacate the premises more than a month ago.

However, on Thursday, Bhatia accompanied by his brother Nirmal (32) and two others, told Sharma they should leave immediately. ``They pushed me aside, barged into the house and went on a rampage,'' Sharma told Express Newsline. ``When we began howling for help, Jayprakash pulled out his leather belt and began whipping us,'' says Sharma's daughter, Asha (22).

The women were kicked and punched by the men, who also threw out the furniture, utensils and other belongings. ``One of the men even tried to pull off my gold chain,'' alleges Daya.

``No sooner had theyforcefully evicted us than a JCB machine was pressed into service to pull down our house,'' continues Daya, who says she has since taken refuge in her neighbour's veranda. ``I was scared but my daughters encouraged me to go the police for help,'' she says.

Inspector B U Dhole of the Hill Line police, which is investigating the case says offences have been registered under Sections 147, 148, 149 (rioting), 323 (causing grievous injury), 452 (trespass with intent to hurt or assault) and 427 (mischief and thereby causing damage) of the Indian Penal Code.

Bhatia, who had earlier been detained under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act for the murder of a Customs officer, was released in 1996.