Tribune News Service
Nabha, January 19
Facing flak from Forest Minister Sadhu Singh Dharamsot for rampant encroachments in the town, the civic body authorities demolished illegal 20-shop market, which reportedly was constructed by BJP leader Om Parkash Jindal, here today.
According to the MC authorities, the shops had been constructed by encroaching upon the land on both sides of a drain passing through the town. A large number of policemen were present during the demolition drive carried by the MC.
Mohit Sharma, MC Executive Officer, said notices had been sent to the owner of the shops to stop the illegal construction. He said similar drive would be carried out to demolish other illegal buildings in the town.
Jindal claimed that the architecture of the market was approved by the Municipal Council. He alleged MC president Rajneesh Kumar Mittal and Dharamsot had demanded bribe to pass the project which he had refused to give. He said demolishing his shops was an act of political vendetta. He said he would move court against the MC.
Hailing the decision of the MC for carrying out the demolition drive, residents said such drives should be carried regularly.
However, Dharamsot refuted Jindal’s allegations. He said the demolition drive was carried as decided by the Municipal Council authorities.