Kolkata: Neighbors of Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College, are awaiting a payloader to arrive at Beleghata's Badan Roy Lane to demolish "unauthorised constructions" at his residence, Balaji Nivas. Ghosh is currently in judicial custody after his arrest in connection with the "larger conspiracy" behind the rape and murder of a junior doctor, as well as financial irregularities.
Details of the Demolition Order
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has ordered the removal of a small portion of a pergola on the roof, an iron spiral staircase installed to access the lift's machine room, and a brick wall built in place of a door on the second floor at 83, Badan Roy Lane. Civic officials stated that these constructions were made after altering the original building plan. Although the civic body issued a notice about two years ago, no action was taken. Now, the KMC has directed that the violating portions be razed within 45 days.
"Ghosh's family residing at the house has been asked to provide reasons for the illegal constructions. We will wait for their response. If they do not demolish the unauthorized structures voluntarily, we will carry out the demolition. The response must be given within a week. If the respondent requests a special hearing, an officer will review the matter. Based on the severity, the special hearing officer will decide whether the constructions can be regularized or must be demolished," said a KMC buildings department official.
Neighborhood Sentiment
At a time when payloader drives are being conducted across the city to remove illegal structures, residents of Beleghata, who have been vocal against Ghosh following the RG Kar incident, are demanding similar action on his property. On Friday, discussions in the neighborhood centered on irregularities at Ghosh's house.
"He misused his power to carry out illegal constructions. We want payloader action against him. We had also protested his extension of the wall, which encroached on a manhole," said a local resident. Arati Shau, another resident, remarked, "Although the notice about the illegal constructions was served two years ago, they remained unmoved. He should face consequences." Surajit Sarkar added, "He must pay for what he has done."
The KMC's decision reflects a broader crackdown on unauthorized building modifications in Kolkata, with residents hoping for swift enforcement of the demolition order.
