Ex-councillor’s godown on government land demolished in Ambala Cantonment

Former independent councillor Rajesh Kumar, son behind bars since April 6; drugs recovered from godown

The district administration razed a godown which was brought up illegally on government land by former independent councillor Rajesh Kumar in the Deha Basti area of Ambala cantonment on Thursday.

The illegal godown belonging to former councillor Rajesh Kumar after it was razed in Ambala on Thursday. (HT Photo)

The property, which was filled with scrap items, and other illegal structures in the area were bulldozed in the presence of 400 police personnel at around 9.30 am, officials said.

Rajesh Kumar, who is associated with the Congress, and his son, Prince, are behind bars in an attempt to murder case after the family and neighbours allegedly attacked a police team on April 6 when a raid was being conducted to arrest his wife Guddi for supplying drugs. Four police officers had sustained minor injuries during the melee.

Though Guddi and other family members managed to flee, police got hold of the father and son. At least 260g of heroin and 1,500 intoxicant tablets were recovered from the godown that was razed.

Superintendent of police Jashandeep Singh Randhawa, said, “During interrogation, Rajesh admitted to his illegal activities and confessed that he built the godown on MC land where a public toilet existed. Later, a case was registered based on the complaint of the executive officer of Ambala sadar municipal council for encroaching on government land. Accordingly, police protection was given to MC teams that undertook the anti-encroachment drive that remained peaceful.”

Rajesh Kumar, secretary of the civic body, said that due process was followed and notices were issued to Kumar before and after the case was lodged, but there was no reply. The suspect’s advocate, Sunil Anand, said that his client did not receive any notice and is unaware of the basis on which the structure was demolished.

Sources said that Rajesh was elected as an independent member of the MC House from 2005 to 2010 and was a member of Sangharsh Vahini, a Congress rebel group floated by Hira Lal Yadav, also an ex-councillor. “Yadav also joined INLD and was later back in the Congress fold. His disciples, including Rajesh, followed him. However, he later started his scrap business and got involved in the illegal activities of his wife,” a former BJP councillor said, requesting anonymity.

Meanwhile, home minister and local MLA Anil Vij said that he won’t let any drug peddler operate in the state and huge quantities of different types of contraband have been seized this month.

“His property was built illegally on government land and was razed under the NDPS Act. We have confiscated 19 properties and the process is underway in 38 others. This will send a message to the drug suppliers that their property can be demolished if they remain involved in this business,” the minister told the media.