Kolkata, 25 May (H.S.): Tension erupted in the Beleghata area of Kolkata on Monday after the Kolkata Municipal Corporation initiated demolition action against an under-construction residential building allegedly linked to Trinamool Congress leader and promoter Raju Naskar.

The civic body had issued notices to two multi-storey projects promoted by Naskar at 37 Barowaritala Road and 1 East Kulia Road. The two towers reportedly comprised 16 flats in total. One of the under-construction structures at East Kulia Road was partially demolished during the bulldozer drive.

The action triggered panic and anger among flat buyers, many of whom claimed they had invested large sums of money in the project. Several buyers gathered outside Naskar’s office on Monday, only to find it locked.

Amid the protest, a youth travelling on a scooter was allegedly identified by locals as a close associate of the promoter. He was surrounded, verbally confronted and reportedly assaulted by agitated buyers. Police and central forces later reached the spot to bring the situation under control.

One complainant, identified as Papi Dey, alleged that the youth was closely linked to Raju Naskar and was involved in dealing with prospective buyers. She claimed that despite taking money from customers, the promoters had neither provided agreement papers nor shown approved building plans.

According to local residents, the land on which the buildings were being constructed belongs to two elderly women, one of whom is suffering from heart ailments while the other is a widow. Residents said the women are now deeply distressed over the ongoing controversy.

Locals further alleged that the municipal corporation had earlier objected to the project and had reportedly asked for construction work to stop in September last year. However, they claimed that the promoter had assured buyers that he would “manage the matter,” after which many people continued investing in the flats.

Flat buyers later approached Beleghata Police Station and lodged complaints against Raju Naskar.

Notably, Raju Naskar’s name had also surfaced earlier this year in a separate assault case in Beleghata, following which he was arrested by police.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey