Residents get a visit from China's dama queen goon squad

Mainland police are investigating reports that middle-aged women were paid 200 yuan (HK$252) each to demolish homes for a new development, a government official said on Thursday, sparking anger about one of the country's most common causes of unrest.

Forced demolitions are a frequent trigger of anger, with governments and developers often accused of using thugs to carry out demolition orders and of not paying proper compensation.

According to the China News Service, the "auntie demolition team" harassed residents and destroyed doors and windows in the city of Shangqiu in Henan province earlier this month. There were 20 women in the team and each was paid about 200 yuan. Pictures online showed white-haired women brandishing sticks in what appeared to be a building.

"The case has been put on file and the public security department is investigating now. The final result is not out yet," a Zhecheng government official said. Zhecheng administers Shangqiu.

The residents had not agreed on compensation for their homes, which are due for demolition and development.

The incident comes a month after a similar case in poor and populous Henan, where workers given the job of demolishing homes for a new development threatened to infect residents with Aids if they did not move out.