MLA Bava directs Police to register case against shops demolishers

Mangaluru: Congress MLA from Mangalore City North, Mohiuddin Bava, said that he has directed the city police commissioner to register a case and take strict action against those who demolished shops located by the side of the national highway in Baikampady. “Highway authorities when contacted, have said that they were not involved with this demolition drive. Even the deputy commissioner and police commissioner were unaware of the operation. Therefore, I have asked them to legally move against those who undertook these illegal demolitions,” he stated. 

Bava said that when the shop premises were destroyed at night with the help of a backhoe. Some workers who were sleeping inside came out after hearing the backhoe. He questioned as to who will be responsible if lives had been lost in the operation. “I have been informed that there were gas cylinders inside the hotel premises. Shop owners have told me that cash and other assets were stolen within minutes of the demolition drive. Who will own responsibility for their loss?” he added. He also informed that the backhoe used for the operation has been taken into custody.

Bava called upon the NHAI to set right issues relating to highway, like provision for proper service roads, traffic jams clearance, shifting of tollgate etc on priority before resorting to activities like demolitions.

Dakshina Kannada district secretary of Popular Front of India, A K Ashraf Jokatte, has asked the department of highways to take action against those who undertook this demolition drive and to provide alternative facilities to the affected people.

A total of eight shops were destroyed in this demolition drive. Owners of seven shops and hotels have filed a joint complaint in Panambur police station, whereas the wine shop owners have registered a separate complaint. The complainants have named National Highways Authority of India and a person named Rajaram in their complaints.

Total loss suffered in this drive is estimated to be Rs 92 lac.