By Ghazala Ahmad
The controversy surrounding the demolition of more than 100 homes in Surat’s Nasir Nagar settlement has intensified after a senior Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) engineer facing allegations of irregularities in the matter went on indefinite leave on Tuesday, while civil rights groups and political leaders demanded an independent investigation into the demolitions.
Executive Engineer of SMC’s Central Zone, Jayang Jivan Ramjiwala, proceeded on indefinite leave on Tuesday amid growing scrutiny over the demolition drive that displaced dozens of families.
The development came as residents and Congress workers staged protests demanding accountability and access to documents related to a nearby construction project.
Around 50 people, including Congress workers and residents affected by the demolitions, were detained by police on Tuesday after attempting to meet Surat Municipal Commissioner M. Nagarajan.
The protesters initially gathered outside the SMC headquarters before moving to the Municipal Commissioner’s residence in Athwalines, where they staged a sit-in demonstration.
They sought copies of approved plans and land records related to an under-construction project adjacent to Nasir Nagar and questioned the circumstances under which 100 homes were demolished.
Congress corporator Arshad Jariwala alleged that civic authorities had acted in the interests of private builders and demanded suspension and legal action against officials involved in the demolition.
High Court petition challenges demolition, seeks accountability
The police action came after a resident of Nasir Nagar approached the Gujarat High Court challenging the demolition of houses in the settlement and alleging that authorities failed to follow due process.
This story was originally published in maktoobmedia.com. Read the full story here.
