MC inspector manhandled, abused during demolition drive

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, April 24

A developer of an illegal colony attacked the building branch staff of the Municipal Corporation (MC), who were on duty today. The developer rammed his SUV three times into car of the MC staff.

The developer also manhandled and abused a 23-year-old woman building inspector. The building inspector accused the developer of tearing her clothes.

The MC team had gone to demolish an illegal colony of the developer, near main garbage dump, Jamalpur Awana, here today. The police have registered FIR against the developer.

Earlier, too, the illegal colony was demolished, but the developer started construction at the site again, said Raj Kumar, Assistant Town Planner (ATP), Zone B. However, the illegal construction was removed from the site today, he said.

“When we visited illegal colony, some workers informed developer about arrival of the MC team. He along with his aides reached there within a short time. After he attacked us, we called the police for help. However, developer and his aides managed to escape from the site leaving behind his Endeavour. Later, the police recovered his vehicle and our damaged car,” added Kumar.

After getting information, the staff from various other MC zones reached the spot to help building branch officials. The ATP, Zone A, said, “A street vendor received injury on his forehead. When the illegal colony’s developer rammed his Endeavour into our car, his vehicle also hit a cart injuring a vendor.”

The SHO, Tibba police station, Inspector Karanjit Singh, said, “We have registered case under Sections 307 (Attempt to murder), 186 (Obstructing public servant from discharging duties), 353 (Assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty), 354-B (Assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to disrobe), 427 (Mischief causing damage), 506 (Criminal intimidation) and 149, IPC, against Gurnam Singh.”

“Building inspector Kashih Garg has alleged that the suspect also tore her clothes, besides thrashing and hurling abuses at her,” the SHO added.

MC staff threaten to stop work 

An MC official said, “The building branch staff have demanded early arrest of developer Gurnam Singh and his aides. The civic body employees have threatened to stop work if the developer is not arrested. Members of Municipal Employees Sangarsh Committee are also planning to go on a strike on Thursday.”