The Archeological Survey of India has declared the houses of thousands of people settled in Tughlakabad area of Delhi as illegal and has issued instructions for residents to vacate these houses within 15 days.

The instructions have caused panic among residents who fear that the government may demolish their houses.

Locals told The Wire that even though the land belongs to the ASI, many have paid money as bribes to the police and ASI officials for years. Several have lived in Tughlakabad for the last 30 years.

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