Jagraon MC razes ‘smuggler’s’ house

Jagraon Municipal Council’s attempt to demolish a house belonging to an alleged drug peddler near Chungi No 7 on Monday was initially thwarted by the residents, who presented legal documents to Ludhiana rural police and the council team, claiming it to be ancestral property.

However, the relief was short-lived as the demolition squad returned later that evening and successfully demolished the structure.

The officials had arrived in the morning at the residence of Ajay Gill, son of alleged criminal Kaka Don.

Sumita, Ajay’s sister, confronted the officials, asserting that the property was ancestral land. She claimed the family had already submitted documentation in response to previous notices from the civic body.

Sumita criticised the authorities, stating that neither the police nor MC officials had give any consideration to their pleas, noting that they had already filed a case in court.

Upon reviewing the judiciary-related papers, the police and MC officials initially withdrew from the site. Yet, the team subsequently regrouped, returning hours later to execute the demolition as planned.

EO Harnarinder Singh Shergill, who holds the additional charge of MC Jagraon, confirmed the action was a specific measure taken under the ‘War Against Drugs’ campaign.

Shergill stated that the building had been subject to multiple prior notices concerning alleged encroachment and various building violations. Furthermore, he explicitly mentioned that the family’s name appears on the official list of known drug peddlers in the area.

Jagraon DSP Kulwant Singh said that the Deputy Commissioner had specifically ordered police protection for the operation.

As per the police, the house owner is reportedly facing four cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, in addition to several others under the Arms Act.