Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) Commissioner Smita Pandey stated that the notices issued for illegal constructions in Kolkata are personal and not tied to any political group. She oversaw the demolition of illegal structures in Beleghata, including those owned by Raju Naskar. The Commissioner emphasized that all actions were conducted following legal protocols.
A political dispute arose between the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after KMC served notices on properties associated with Trinamool Congress General Secretary and MP Abhishek Banerjee. While Trinamool Congress labeled it as “political vendetta,” the BJP supported KMC’s actions. Pandey explained that the notices were issued after due process, offering a fair hearing opportunity, and no objections were raised during the enforcement.
Pandey mentioned that the notices were individual in nature and not related to any political entity. She confirmed the presence of police personnel during the demolitions, with no complaints against the officers. The ongoing demolition operations cover six locations, with legal measures being taken. Pandey highlighted the prevalence of illegal constructions in Kolkata, with efforts to compile a database and address pending cases in court.
“We encounter objections in various places, but we will proceed where objections are absent,” Pandey added. Referring to the notices served to Abhishek Banerjee, she assured that the process would continue, considering his request for time. The Commissioner hinted at forthcoming stringent actions against illegal constructions across different parts of West Bengal.
