Cops join demolition drive

THE DISTRICT police officials joined the anti-demolition move when they demolished three shops situated adjacent to the police office boundary after getting them vacated forcibly. KMC officials were also present during the drive Justifying the demolition, the cops said that contractor Arun Pathak had violated the agreement.

Owners protest ‘illegal action’

THE DISTRICT police officials joined the anti-demolition move when they demolished three shops situated adjacent to the police office boundary after getting them vacated forcibly. KMC officials were also present during the driveJustifying the demolition, the cops said that contractor Arun Pathak had violated the agreement. 

In the presence of SP (East) Sabharaj Yadav, SP (rural area) Ratan Kumar Srivastava and Circle officer Kotwali, police personnel threw away the goods from Kalyanji Bakery, Tiwari Lassi Bhandar and Dipu Xerox amidst protest from the proprietors.

Gopal Tiwari, proprietor of Tiwari Lassi Bhandar, alleged that the policemen acted illegally as they had not issued notice before today’s demolition act.Proprietor of Kalyanji Bakery claimed he had been paying Rs 15,000 per month for the shop. 

Meanwhile, police officials claimed the place was leased out on the condition that it would be used for business beneficial for police personnel. However, these had become commercial establishments, the cops alleged. The shops were basically meant for selling eatables and uniforms, they added.

Rejecting the charges of illegal action, Kotwali CO Rakesh Jolly claimed the notices were issued to the shopkeepers well in advance.

Meanwhile, some sources in the police department informed that the shops were leased out to Arun Pathak during the tenure of former SSP Ramendra Vikaram Singh. Under the agreement the police department was to get Rs 30,000 per month.

Sources said, “Perhaps the present SSP is not satisfied with the contract and intended to lease the place out for a greater sum”.