NAGPUR: The illegal double-storied building of Nagpur riot mastermind Fahim Khan was demolished on Monday at Sanjay Bagh Colony under Ashi Nagar zone during an enforcement operation conducted by Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC).
The unauthorised residential structure was razed as part of the civic body’s demolition drive against unlawful constructions.
The anti-encroachment squad, backed by heavy police deployment, arrived with two excavators around 10am.
The illegal construction came to fore after Ashi Nagar zone officials carried out inspection of Khan’s house on March 20. On March 21, the zone has issued a demolition notice.
Despite a 24-hour ultimatum to demolish the 86.48 sq m structure, Khan’s family failed to comply. With Khan in police custody, NMC razed the house, registered under his wife Zahirunnisa Shamim Khan, citing violation of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1966.
The crackdown marks the first time NMC has targeted a riot accused’s property. The civic body acted following mounting complaints from residents about the unauthorized construction.
Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis had recently hinted at adopting UP-style bulldozer action, stating it would be enforced if the law permitted.
His house, located in Sanjay Bagh Colony, Yashodhara Nagar, is registered under his wife’s name.
Fahim Khan, a leader of the Minority Democratic Party (MDP), is among the over 100 persons arrested following the violence in Nagpur on March 17.
The unrest began after rumors circulated that a ‘chadar’ with religious inscriptions had been burned during protests led by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), calling for the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
The clashes led to widespread stone-pelting and arson across several areas of Nagpur, leaving 33 police officers injured, including three deputy commissioners of police.
To maintain peace following the incident, Nagpur Police carried out a flag march in the Mahal market area on Sunday after the curfew was lifted.
Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal issued a firm warning against the misuse of social media, advising people to reconsider before sharing any content related to the violence.
“Things are calm now. There is no ongoing issue, and life has returned to normal. So far, 13 FIRs have been filed, with over 115 people in custody. Further action is being taken,” Singal stated.
(With agency inputs)
