Demolition drive begins at Odisha MLA’s encroached property

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Keonjhar, Apr 22:   

As directed by the Orissa High Court, Keonjhar district administration today started a demolition drive on five acres of land encroached by Champua MLA Sanatan Mahakud at Unchabali mouza under Barbil Tehsil.

The drive is being carried out in presence of Additional District Magistrate (ADM) and Sub-collector. Heavy security arrangements have been made to avoid any eventualities.

Twenty five platoons of forces have been deployed and section-144 has been imposed within a 500-metre radius of the site.

“I do not own that land. Neither did I approach the court. People did. I have nothing to say if the government chooses to demolish the construction. The people are with me. They will give a befitting reply in coming days,” said Mahakud reacting to the development.

In the first phase, the eviction drive will continue till 11:30 AM and then restart at 3:30 PM. Three bulldozers have been engaged to bring down the construction.

Mahakud’s house, office building and a temple constructed on an adjacent 1.20 acre plot, however, won’t be demolished on account of a stay order issued by the High Court.

“There are two plots there. One is of five acres and the other is of 1.20 acres. There is a High Court stay order on the 1.20 acre plot on which lies his office, house and other buildings. Some temporary sheds used for goat and cattle rearing and some sheds used by labourers located on the five acre plot will be demolished to make the land encroachment free,” Keonjhar ADM Sangram Keshari Swain had told reporters yesterday.