Scuffle breaks out as residents protest against developer

A protest by residents of South City (Phase-1) turned ugly after they entered into a scuffle with private security guards who stopped them from entering the developer’s office on Saturday.

A protest by residents of South City (Phase-1) turned ugly after they entered into a scuffle with private security guards who stopped them from entering the developer’s office on Saturday.

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Nearly 70 residents, backed by the representatives of other city RWAs, allegedly had a brawl with the guards when they tried to march inside the office of Unitech in South City-1 and stage a dharna.

A large number of private security guards and bouncers confronted the protesters, including women, who tried to jump over the gates of the developer’s office and sustained minor bruises in the incident. The police were immediately summoned.

Later, a group of RWA members held a meeting with a senior manager of Unitech.

“The official made a formal announcement that the road repair work will start soon. He also said the entire area will be spruced up in a month’s time. If this does not happen, we’ll hold another protest on November 17. We will also take over all common areas if no agreement is reached with the developer over maintenance charges,” said Ashok Bhardwaj, president of South City-1 Resident Welfare Association (SCRWA).

A Unitech spokesperson, through an email, said, “The cost borne by the maintenance agencies is more than what is being charged. We have shared the cost details with the RWA.”

He added, “There are huge outstanding bills due to which the maintenance agencies are incurring losses even as they continue to provide services. The RWA did not assure us even today that the outstanding bills will be cleared. But we’ll continue to work. We hope the matter will be resolved soon.”

Gurgaon Citizen Council president RS Rathee, who also joined the protest, stated, “If need be, residents will approach the court over their grievances.”