Kolkata Municipal Corporation launches major demolition drive, razes down illegal buildings belonging to TMC goons Faiz Ahmed Khan and others

KMC demolition drive
Illegal buildings linked to TMC leaders demolished in Kolkata (Image via ETV Bharat)

On Sunday, 24th May, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) launched a large-scale demolition drive against several illegal buildings across Tiljala, Kasba and Beleghata. The action targeted properties linked to TMC goons Faiz Ahmed Khan, Beleghata strongman Raju Naskar and Kasba strongman Sona Pappu, who is currently in Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody.

Officials said the demolition drive began after a special hearing officer of the KMC Buildings Department ordered the complete demolition of several structures on Saturday, 23rd May, stating that they had been built without proper approval and in violation of municipal rules.

Heavy police deployment was seen in multiple parts of the city as civic authorities arrived with bulldozers, payloaders, mechanised jackhammers and gas cutters to pull down the structures. Officials faced major difficulties while demolishing two seven-storey buildings on GJ Khan Road in Tiljala’s Ward 66 area.

According to civic officials, the twin buildings had been constructed illegally on a filled-up water body and without approved building plans. “We are surprised how a high-rise could be constructed without submitting plans and seeking approval,” a civic official said during the operation.

Buildings linked to local political figures under scanner

The two high-rise buildings in Tiljala are located near the Trinamool party office in Ward 66, represented by councillor Faiz Ahmed Khan, son of senior Trinamool MLA Javed Khan. Residents claimed flat bookings had already started in the buildings before the demolition drive began.

KMC officials said notices had earlier been issued to the promoters, including Ananta Singh and Gul Md, asking them to produce legal building documents. However, officials claimed no proper response was submitted within the deadline.

Reacting to the allegations, MLA Javed Khan said, “The land where the buildings came up once belonged to my family. Over the years, encroachments and illegal constructions started there since the Left Front regime. We have no connection with these illegal constructions.”

In Kasba, civic authorities demolished two under-construction buildings on BB Chatterjee Road and Bosepukur, which officials said were linked to Sona Pappu and his associates. Residents claimed illegal property activities had been openly taking place in the area for years.

“One building after another kept coming up here. People were scared to speak because of the gang operating in the area,” a resident said.

Crackdown after Tiljala fire tragedy

The demolition drive comes shortly after a fire at an illegal factory in Tiljala claimed two lives, increasing pressure on authorities to act against unauthorised constructions across Kolkata.

In Beleghata, two more under-construction buildings linked to local strongman Raju Naskar were demolished on East Coolia Road and nearby areas. Residents said many buildings had come up in the locality over the last decade, making it difficult to identify which ones were legal.

State Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul strongly criticised the earlier civic administration over the rise of illegal constructions. “During the previous regime, corruption flourished unchecked. Illegal constructions came up with the knowledge of civic authorities and under the patronage of influential leaders in exchange for money,” she said.

“Even if the police wanted to act, they could not do much. Strict action will be taken against all those involved in illegal constructions as well as those who facilitated such irregularities,” she added. 

She also warned that strict action would be taken against developers, civic officials and anyone who ignored violations. “Those responsible for allowing these irregularities will face action,” she said while visiting the Kasba demolition site along with KMC Commissioner Smita Pandey.

The latest crackdown also comes days after KMC issued notices on 19th May, linked to unauthorised portions of over 15 properties associated with Trinamool MP Abhishek Banerjee. The notices have been issued under Section 400(1) of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation Act, 1980 wherein the civic body has sought documents related to building plan approvals and clarification on whether permission was taken for additional construction.

Written by OpIndia Staff
Last modified at