The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) on Sunday initiated a large-scale demolition drive targeting illegal constructions allegedly linked to Trinamool councillor Faiz Ahmed Khan, real estate promoters, and local strongmen Raju Naskar and Sona Pappu (currently in Enforcement Directorate custody). According to a buildings department source, a special hearing officer on Saturday ordered the complete demolition of these structures as they were built without proper sanction.
Challenges in Demolishing Seven-Storey Buildings
The demolition squad, equipped with mechanized jackhammers fitted at the tip of payloaders and gas cutters to cut through TMT bars in floor slabs, faced significant difficulties in razing two seven-storey buildings on GJ Khan Road in Tiljala. These twin high-rises had been constructed in gross violation of KMC building rules and by filling up a water body. “We are surprised how a high-rise could be constructed without submitting plans and asking for approval,” said a civic official. Other illegal properties targeted include a five-storey building in Beleghata and two others in Kasba.
Demolition in Tiljala
Three bulldozers were deployed on GJ Khan Road to demolish the two adjacent seven-storey buildings opposite Trinamool’s ward 66 party office on the canal bank. Local sources reported that the construction of these buildings was complete and bookings were underway. The civic body had issued notices to Ananta Singh, Gul Md, and others. Locals stated that both promoters, acting in collusion with local councillor Faiz Ahmed Khan, were untraceable during the demolition drive on Sunday.
Khan’s father, Kasba MLA Javed Khan, told TOI: “The land where the buildings came up once belonged to my family. Over the years, there were encroachments and illegal constructions started here since the Left Front regime. We don’t have any link with the illegal constructions.”
Demolition in Kasba
Two under-construction buildings, declared illegal by the civic body, were demolished in populated neighborhoods of BB Chatterjee Road and Bosepukur in Kasba. State municipal affairs minister Agnimitra Paul stated that the buildings in Kasba are linked to Sona Pappu and his henchmen. Locals recounted how Sona Pappu and his gang used to “terrorise” them, with group fighting being common for promoting their interests. A long-time resident said, “Two other buildings adjacent to the under-construction building being razed were also developed by Sona Pappu. People are living in them. The illegal constructions used to happen from dawn till dusk. We faced nuisance and terror because of his gang, but none could muster the courage to speak against them.”
Demolition in Beleghata
Two other under-construction buildings were demolished on East Coolia Road and a nearby locality in Beleghata, both reportedly being built by Naskar. A local, Dibyendu Dey, said, “The construction has been going on for the past year and many buildings have come up in this residential area during the last 15 years. Now, it is difficult to ascertain which is illegal and which is legal. At the time of sale, Naskar and his men claimed that all the properties were legal.”
Minister’s Statement
State municipal affairs minister Agnimitra Paul on Sunday criticized the Trinamool-run board for failing to prevent such illegal constructions. “We have identified the illegal buildings. Action will be taken against those responsible for overseeing, whether from KMC or government, along with developers who constructed the structures. Those in the government who turned a blind eye to irregularities for a payback will also be prosecuted. All this action is possible because police are providing support. And that has happened because the BJP government is now in office,” said Paul, who was at the Kasba demolition site with KMC commissioner Smita Pandey.
