Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (MD/SHS)

Mangalore, Aug 2: The officials of Mangalore city corporation (MCC) on Saturday July 2 demolished a structure belonging to Sarvajaanika Ganeshotava Samiti at Markada near Kavoor here, following complaints that it was constructed on government land.

Sources said that the building was constructed on 150 mt of government land reserved for road. On July 30, in the MCC council meet, corporator of Kunjathbail Mohammed had raised this issue and demanded that the building be demolished.

The structure was being used by the Ganeshotsava Samiti for dress rehearsals and other activities related to their programmes.

Speaking to daijiworld, Sunil, joint director of Sarvajanika Ganeshotsava Samiti alleged that political influence had driven the MCC to take this step. "There are so many hotels, bars and shops in this area that are illegally built on government land, but MCC has not take action despite complaints.

"Markada corporator Harinath had assured that our building would not be demolished, but within three days of the council meeting, the MCC has demolished it. This is a clear indication that there is influence by Mohammed," he said.

"Mohammed's relative had built a house on government land and and people of Markada had filed a complaint against him. But police have still not taken any action," he added.

A few people who were against the demolition gathered at the spot and protested. They said that they would meet the DC and demand demolition of other illegal buildings too. "If that is not done, then the administration will have to construct a new building for us," they said.