Man sues over illegal demolition

A resident from a village in Changping district Tuesday intends to sue for compensation after his house was demolished by a local government official who was arrested this month.

Han Bing, head of Nanzhuangying village under Cuicun township, had not followed proper procedures before deciding to construct a building on village land. He forcibly dismantled a villager's house before getting permission from local authorities, the local government confirmed Tuesday.

He was arrested on July 6 for being suspected of forced demolition with violent means.

"Han said the village was going to establish an underground sewage system and Li's house affected the laying of the pipes. However, this land actually was used for a building," the director of the publicity office of the township, surnamed Zhang, told the Global Times.

The government ordered a halt to construction Friday, said Zhang, and the building may be removed in 10 days if the correct documents are not provided.

No documents were submitted by Han to apply for the construction, said Zhang.

Li Ronghua, 67, the homeowner, accused Han of using violence to force the family to leave the property.

"Over 30 people hammered at the door and broke into my house at midnight on May 31. They heavily beat me, my wife and my daughter," he alleged.

Then he and his daughter were put in the trunk of a car and abandoned in a dried-up river bed nearly 10 kilometers away, he said.

His house was demolished on the same day, before reaching any consensus with the family over compensation.

"I had 16 stitches on my head at hospital and fractures on my hands. The doctor told me last week that I still have fluid built up in my lungs. I've spent over 70,000 yuan ($11,111) on medical treatment," he said.

His daughter also received stitches for a head wound, while his wife was not seriously injured in the attack. Li said he is staying with a friend now.

Before the demolition, Han had cut water and power to his home for a month, said Li.

Li's lawyer, surnamed Hu, from Jinfang Law Firm, said they will sue for compensation, but would not reveal the amount Li intends to claim.

"Li will ask for compensation for his house and also claim his medical fees. But currently, police are still investigating, so we'll have to wait until the court opens a session for the case," she said.