The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has launched a probe into an AI-generated eviction notice that was circulated among traders in the New Market area. The notice, purportedly issued by the civic body, demanded the vacation of all hawker stalls, dalas, and encroachments near Metro Esplanade station Gate No. 6 and around the Grand Hotel within a month, threatening an eviction drive thereafter.
Hawkers' Reaction to the Notice
Hawkers in the area reported seeing images of the notice but expressed uncertainty over its authenticity. Many remain unfazed, as they have aligned themselves with a union led by Kali Khatik, a former Trinamool Congress member who switched to the BJP a few years ago. A hawker selling women's fashion accessories at Humayun Place stated, 'Since the elections, we have been functioning under the umbrella of Kali Khatik’s hawker union. We know there will be no drive against us. It does not matter if a notice is genuine or fake.'
Traders' Association Raises Concerns
Functionaries of the SS Hogg Market Traders Association, however, have highlighted the issue of illegal encroachments. While acknowledging that the KMC may investigate the notice's authenticity, they emphasized the visible encroachment on roads at Bertram Street, Humayun Place, and Hogg Street. Association president Ashok Gupta said, 'We have already reached out to minister Dilip Ghosh and MLA Sajal Ghosh. They were sympathetic to our cause. Sajal Ghosh even raised the issue at the KMC House. For years, the hawkers have robbed us of business by occupying car parking lots, thereby driving away customers. We also intend to meet chief minister Suvendu Adhikari and minister Agnimitra Paul to draw their attention to the rampant illegal encroachment and seek a permanent solution.'
The KMC's investigation aims to determine the origin of the AI-generated notice and prevent any misinformation. Meanwhile, the traders' association continues to press for action against illegal hawking, which they claim has severely impacted their businesses.
