The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) on Thursday initiated the demolition of an unauthorised house in Phugewadi, which belonged to Karnail Singh Virka, one of the individuals arrested in connection with the recent illicit liquor deaths in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad. The civic action targeted a structure in Sanjaynagar slum, measuring 875 square feet, which was allegedly used for the sale of illicit liquor. Police suspect that some victims who died after consuming methanol-laced liquor had purchased it from this premises.
Demolition Process and Challenges
The demolition was carried out by PCMC's slum eradication and rehabilitation department, with support from the H ward office. Occupants were served a 24-hour notice to voluntarily remove the illegal structure before the operation began. Due to the house being located in a congested slum pocket inaccessible to heavy machinery, civic teams employed drill machines, gas cutters, and manual labour. Approximately 40 workers, four breakers, and two gas cutters were deployed for the task.
Deputy Municipal Commissioner Anna Bodade, who heads the slum eradication and rehabilitation department, explained that the structure had a temporary tin-sheet upper portion and an RCC base on the ground floor. “Since the locality is densely populated and the houses share common walls, JCBs and heavy machinery could not be used. The tin-sheet portion has been removed, while demolition of the RCC section is underway and will continue on Friday,” he stated.
Precautions and Security Measures
Officials emphasised that special care was taken to ensure neighbouring houses were not damaged during the operation. The demolition was conducted under heavy police presence. Police Commissioner Vinoy Kumar Choubey visited the site and reviewed the operation. Security arrangements were supervised by DCP Sandeep Atole and ACP Sachin Hire, with 10 police officers, 50 personnel, and 20 Maharashtra Security Force (MSF) jawans deployed at the spot.
PCMC Commissioner Vijay Suryawanshi reiterated that the civic body would continue to take action against unauthorised constructions on municipal land and in slum areas. “Any illegal structure that obstructs planned development or rehabilitation projects will face action as per the law. Citizens should avoid unauthorised construction and adhere to civic regulations,” he said.
