The Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan met with families in Kosmi village, Budhni, after forest officials razed 12 tribal homes and crops on Sunday.
The homes, built by an estimated 10–12 Barela tribe members, were said to be erected on forest land that had been planted by the government in 2021. Forest officials had issued eviction notices before the demolition.
Chouhan stood beside grieving mothers, who cried and clutched their children, and called for the Chief Secretary Ashok Barnwal to take action.
The Forest Development Corporation defended the operation as a clearance of illegal huts that had destroyed a plantation and damaged crops.
Opposition MLA Umang Singh accused the BJP of infighting, saying the tribal families were caught in the crossfire.
Chouhan said he would pressure the state government for reconstruction and temporary housing for the displaced families.