KMC launches sweeping bulldozer crackdown on illegal buildings
The Statesman | 26 May 2026
Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) on Sunday launched a major demolition drive against illegal constructions across several parts of the city, including Tiljala, Kasba and Beleghata, amid the state government’s renewed emphasis on a “zero tolerance” policy towards corruption and unauthorised buildings. Backed by a large police contingent and central forces, civic officials carried out bulldozer operations at multiple sites where alleged violations of building norms and fire safety regulations had earlier been detected.
The action follows the recent Tiljala fire tragedy in which two persons lost their lives, prompting the administration to intensify its crackdown on illegal factories and unsafe constructions. One of the key operations was conducted at Tiljala’s G J Khan Road, where KMC teams began demolishing a seven-storey structure alleged to have been built illegally. Three bulldozers were deployed at the site while police cordoned off the area to prevent any untoward incident.
Civic officials said notices had been served on 23 May asking the owners to remove the illegal portions, but no corrective steps were taken. The demolition drive assumed political significance as the building is located in Ward No. 66, represented by councillor Faiyaz Ahmed Khan, son of Trinamul Congress leader Javed Khan. A Trinamul party office stands opposite the structure. Officials from the KMC, police personnel and central forces supervised the operation from the morning. In Beleghata, the civic body initiated demolition work at two buildings located on East Kulia Road and Barowaritala under Ward No. 34.
One of the buildings is reportedly linked to local Trinamul leader and promoter Raju Naskar. According to KMC sources, a notice had been pasted at the property on 21 May seeking documents related to the construction within 48 hours. As no response was received, demolition teams arrived on Sunday morning and started dismantling portions of the structure using hammers and crowbars before deploying bulldozers. However, civic officials faced logistical difficulties in parts of Beleghata because of narrow lanes that restricted the movement of heavy machinery. Simultaneously, another demolition operation was carried out in Kasba’s B B Chatterjee Street area where alleged illegal multi-storeyed constructions had come under scrutiny.
Local sources alleged that the buildings had links with “Sona Pappu”, who was recently arrested in connection with a land scam. KMC officials said those accused of carrying out the unauthorised construction were summoned for a hearing on Saturday but failed to appear before civic authorities. State urban development and municipal affairs minister Agnimitra Pal visited some of the demolition sites and interacted with civic officials and police personnel overseeing the operations. She alleged that large-scale irregularities in construction activities had flourished during the previous administration with the support of influential political leaders and corrupt officials.
“Illegal constructions took place under the watch of the civic authorities. Such unlawful activities were carried out in exchange for money and under political patronage. Action will be taken against all those involved in illegal construction as well as those who aided the irregularities,” the minister said. She also directed civic officials to ensure that neighbouring buildings do not suffer any structural damage during the demolition process. According to KMC sources, all the structures targeted in Sunday’s drive had earlier been served notices for violating building rules, including constructing multi-storeyed buildings in congested localities and flouting sanctioned plans and safety norms.