The Kolkata Municipal Corporation remains undecided on whether to grant a 10-day extension sought by Trinamool Congress general secretary Abhishek Banerjee to respond to notices served on properties linked to him. Meanwhile, a debate continues within the civic body over whether officials from the buildings department should provide prior notice before inspecting prime properties such as 'Shantiniketan' or conduct unannounced visits to check for deviations from sanctioned building plans.
Parallel Inquiries into 17 Properties
The civic body has initiated parallel investigations into 17 properties listed as owned or co-owned by Banerjee, his company, or family members. The assessment department is reviewing property tax dues related to these properties, while the buildings department is examining potential irregularities or deviations from approved plans. Officials confirmed that notices under Section 400 (1) of the KMC Act 1980, citing deviations from sanctioned plans, have been affixed at all 17 addresses. Among these, 14 properties are located in the Kalighat-Bhowanipore belt, two on Panditiya Road, and one in the New Alipore area.
Pending Appeal for Extension
A KMC buildings department official stated that the decision on an appeal from Banerjee's appointed lawyer, requesting a two-week extension, is still pending with the municipal commissioner. "According to regulations, we must verify any alterations from the sanctioned plan on the ground. Based on our inspections, we issue notices to errant building owners. In this case, notices have been posted, and the owners are required to appear before the buildings department with necessary documents and drawings," the official explained, emphasizing the need for early inspections of prime residential properties where deviations are suspected. Another official added, "We are authorized to inspect any building for illegal constructions. There are indications that prior notices may be given before we approach Banerjee family properties."
Political Reactions
Municipal affairs minister Agnimitra Paul claimed that alterations were found in Banerjee's properties without obtaining necessary permission. In response, the Trinamool Congress dismissed the reports as "false, fabricated, and devoid of credibility." Mayor Firhad Hakim distanced himself from the controversy, stating, "It is not a policy matter for us to decide whom the KMC buildings department issues notices to or under which sections. That is outside my jurisdiction. I have no knowledge of this issue." Hakim further explained that after a building collapse incident, elected representatives formulated policies, while executive actions are carried out under the commissioner as per the KMC Act. "In day-to-day matters such as issuing notices, stopping illegal constructions, or granting building sanctions, elected representatives cannot be involved," he said.
