MLA Bava demands action against those who demolished shops, eateries at Baikampady

Mangaluru, Dec 25: Mangaluru North MLA Mohiuddin Bava has demanded stringent legal action against those who razed some shops and eateries abutting National Highway 66 at Baikampady area on the outskirts of the city.

Two eateries, three shops and one liquor shop were razed in the drive in the early hours of Sunday. Activists of Democratic Youth Federation of India and entrepreneurs initially accused the National Highways Authority of India of unilateral action in razing the buildings without giving notice and informing the district administration and the police.

However, it turned out to be a mischief played by the owner of the land adjoining these buildings to get them cleared in the name of NHAI. The owner, who was reportedly successful in claiming title right over the land on which the buildings were located, was unable to get them cleared on his own and used NHAI’s name to get the buildings demolished, according to the police.

The owner, who learnt about NHAI’s encroachment clearance drive between Surathkal and BC Road on the Port Connectivity Project Road (NH 66 and NH 75) between December 23 and January 10, allegedly got earthmovers from the very same contractor hired by NHAI for annual maintenance of the road to get his work done.

However, what the owner did not know was the fact that NHAI had postponed the drive by a couple of days due to the inability of the police to extend security for the drive as personnel were engaged in bandobast for Christmas. “We always undertake clearance drive during daytime after informing the local police and giving sufficient notice to encroachers to remove their belongings,” said sources in the NHAI.

DYFI State president Muneer Katipalla, who initially accused NHAI of unilateral action, later said that none claimed the responsibility for the drive. He accused the landlord of property behind the demolished shops, Patel, of getting the demolition done so that his property commands more value. Communist Party of India (Marxist) State secretary G.V. Sriram Reddy and MLA Bava also visited the spot.

Mr Bava told media persons that NHAI has clarified that it had not involved in the demolition drive. The DC and city police chief were also not informed about any such drive. Hence this is an illegal drive and the authorities should take stringent action against those who involved in it.

Meanwhile, the Panambur Police seized the earthmovers used for demolition. On complaints by aggrieved entrepreneurs against NHAI, the contractor, and Rajendra, believed to be the land owner, the police said that they have launched investigation.