Kolkata, 24 May (H.S.): A major demolition drive against illegal constructions continued across Kolkata on Sunday, with authorities carrying out bulldozer operations in areas including Tiljala, Kasba, and Beleghata.

West Bengal’s Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Minister Agnimitra Pal visited the demolition site at BB Chatterjee Street in Kasba and issued a stern warning, saying officials responsible for monitoring illegal constructions would also face action.

The minister said that no one connected with unlawful buildings would be spared. “Those who constructed these buildings, invested money, or were involved as developers or promoters will all face legal action,” she stated.

According to the minister, notices had been issued regarding six allegedly illegal constructions. Some of the properties demolished on Sunday were reportedly linked to alleged gangster Sona Pappu, while others were associated with Raju Naskar.

Referring to the building at 143 BB Chatterjee Street, Agnimitra Pal claimed the structure was entirely illegal and alleged that it was connected to Sona Pappu, who has already been arrested by the police.

She further alleged that although the properties might officially be registered under different names, notorious criminal elements were operating behind them. Some constructions, she claimed, were linked to individuals close to the All India Trinamool Congress.

The minister said that before initiating demolition, the authorities had served notices seeking explanations from the concerned parties. Since no satisfactory response was received, demolition work was carried out in the presence of police and municipal officials.

Agnimitra Pal asserted that those who allegedly constructed illegal buildings under the protection of the previous government would now face strict action. She added that the government was acting strictly within the framework of law and would continue such drives in the future as well.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey