Karnataka - Gulbarga   

Protesters extract assurance from Corporation Commissioner

Special Correspondent

Illegal building will be demolished in a week, says official

ADAMANT STANCE: Residents of Sangameshwar Nagar and workers of the Janata Dal (U) squatting before the official car of the Commissioner of the Gulbarga City Corporation, in Gulbarga on Tuesday.

GULBARGA: Residents of Sangameshwar Nagar led by Janata Dal (U) leaders wrested an assurance from Gulbarga City Corporation Commissioner Thippesh regarding demolition of an illegal structure.

It started as a "rasta roko" agitation by residents of the Sangameshwar Nagar, led by Janata Dal (U) working president Raju Kulageri, demanding demolition of the commercial complex at Sangameshwar Nagar.

They began their agitation near Anand Hotel Cross in the morning. After an hour, the Commissioner arrived on the spot to hear the grievances of the residents and receive the memorandum. When Dr. Kulageri and other residents wanted a firm assurance on the demolition of the illegal structure, the Commissioner said the matter was already before the Deputy Commissioner and he was not in a position to give an assurance in this regard.

He then attempted to leave the place saying he had another engagement. This infuriated the protesters and they squatted on the road and refused to allow him to leave without giving them an assurance.

Tension prevails

Tension prevailed for some time with the Commissioner and Dr. Kulageri engaging in an argument. The latter spoke on the failure of the corporation to act against unauthorised construction in the city. Later, the Commissioner gave in to the demand of the residents and accompanied them on a tour of Sangameshwar Nagar, inspecting some buildings. The official also inspected the commercial complex, which was allegedly constructed violating norms stipulated by the Government. He also inspected another commercial complex, which had allegedly encroached upon the road in the locality.

The Commissioner assured the agitated residents and Janata Dal (U) leaders that illegal structures and encroachments would be removed immediately. He gave in writing that the illegal structure in question would be demolished within a week.

Although the "rasta roko" agitation was withdrawn on the assurance given by the Commissioner, Dr. Raju Kulageri said the residents and the Janata Dal (U) would go ahead with their indefinite fast in front of the residence of the Commissioner from October 12 demanding the demolition of the illegal structure.

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