A four-storey building located at 50/1-D/1, GJ Khan Road in Kolkata, owned by the Nisar family, was declared illegal by the government following a fire on Tuesday. The owner, Zafar Nisar, was arrested, and demolition of the building co-owned by Zafar and his father commenced on Wednesday evening.
Background of the Building
The Nisar family resided on the fourth floor, while the floors below housed the factory and office of Delta Leathers. According to the family, they have lived in the building for over ten years, and the factory on the first floor had been operating for more than three decades. Zafar Nisar lived with his wife, three children, his brother, his brother's wife, their three children, and his father. Following the demolition, the family has taken shelter at relatives' places.
Neighborhood Context
The building is situated in a congested neighborhood. To its left stands another three-storey building also owned by the Nisars, which authorities have confirmed is also unauthorized and will be demolished. On the right side is an old, dilapidated building. Opposite the building is a mosque and an under-construction building.
Family's Claims and Allegations
The Nisar family maintains that they possessed a trade license and valid papers for the building. They allege that they were not given an opportunity to present these documents to the authorities. A family member who managed to salvage some valuables before the demolition began questioned, "We deserve a chance to contest the claim that the building was unauthorised. We are Indians. When the law of the land states that notice must be served and the accused be allowed to respond, why were we thrown out of the house within an hour and demolition carried out in such haste?"
The family stated that they learned about the demolition from the media and rushed back to salvage their belongings. They claim they were only allowed a few minutes inside on Wednesday before the razing began. Police reportedly assured them that they would be permitted to enter briefly on Thursday to collect more belongings.
Statement from Zafar's Wife
Sana Shakil, Zafar's wife, expressed understanding regarding the fire that claimed the lives of two workers, whom she described as family members. She noted that when police arrested her husband, there was no resistance as they recognize it is part of legal proceedings. However, she added, "We wish we were given time and opportunity to appeal for a stay order against the demolition and display our documents."
