The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) took action by suspending five civil engineering officials immediately and initiating a departmental inquiry into the demolition of over 100 houses in Nasirnagar. This move came after a special investigation committee, formed by the civic body following residents’ objections, presented its findings to the Gujarat High Court. The suspended officials include Executive Engineers Sujalkumar Prajapati and Jayang Jivanramjiwala, Deputy Engineer Arpan Parmar, Assistant Engineer Monik Gadhia, and Junior Engineer Nareshkumar Galchar.
The controversy stems from a demolition operation on May 30 in Nasirnagar, Surat’s Central Zone, where residents claim that 106 houses were razed without prior notice or due process. This incident has sparked political and judicial interest, with affected residents filing petitions before the Gujarat High Court. The inquiry is particularly focusing on Executive Engineer Jayang Jivanramjiwala, who was in charge of the demolition as the zonal officer.
Videos circulating on social media during the controversy showed Jayang Jivanramjiwala overseeing the operation with a handkerchief around his head. Following heightened public criticism, reports indicate that he took a week’s leave starting June 8. Questions have also been raised regarding the involvement of Executive Engineer Sujalkumar Prajapati, who allegedly ordered the deployment of machinery and workers for the demolition, despite the site not falling under his jurisdiction.
The High Court, during a recent hearing on June 29, questioned the Surat Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gahlaut about the police’s inaction despite their presence during the demolition. The court also raised concerns about the role of senior police officers in the demarcation process and issued notices to the private builder involved. The court emphasized that if the demolition was unlawful, police officers present should have prevented it and directed the SMC to provide reports on its internal inquiry.
