Kolkata, 02 July (H.S.) : The district administration on Thursday began demolishing a café owned by Imran Molla, son of Trinamool Congress leader Shaukat Molla, over allegations that it was illegally constructed on the char (riverine land) of the Matla River in South 24 Parganas district.

The café, named Aranyer Kule, is located in the Moukhali area under the jurisdiction of Jibantala Police Station. According to administrative sources, the structure had been built illegally on government land associated with the Matla River. On June 29, the district administration had directed the owner to demolish the construction. However, as the order was allegedly not complied with within the stipulated time, officials initiated the demolition drive on Thursday.

Bulldozers were deployed to raze the structure under the supervision of district officials. Authorities said the entire operation was being carried out in accordance with legal procedures. The administration also stated that the cost incurred for the demolition would be recovered from the café's owner.

To prevent any untoward incident during the operation, a heavy police presence and senior administrative officials were deployed at the site. According to officials, the demolition has been progressing peacefully, while both the investigation and administrative proceedings are continuing in accordance with the law.

Reacting to the development, local BJP leader Olirul Piyada alleged that Shaukat Molla had illegally occupied land used for plantation activities by local residents to construct the café. He claimed such encroachment would not be tolerated.

The demolition comes amid mounting legal troubles for Shaukat Molla, who is currently in police custody at Jibantala Police Station in connection with a rape case. Police are also investigating several other complaints registered against him at the same police station.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh