Nagpur : The residence of Fahim Khan, an alleged mastermind behind the recent communal violence in Nagpur, was demolished by civic authorities on Monday. Officials claimed the two-storey house was built illegally, citing violations of construction regulations. The demolition, carried out under heavy police presence and drone surveillance, also included partial action against another accused, Yusuf Sheikh. However, the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court intervened hours later, halting further demolitions and criticizing the administration for its “high-handedness” , reported the rediff.
The demolition, which began at around 10:30 am in Sanjay Bagh Colony, Yashodhara Nagar, involved three earth-moving machines. Civic officials claimed Khan’s property was built on an expired lease and lacked necessary approvals. The operation was conducted under Section 53(1) of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, which allows action against unauthorized structures with a 24-hour notice. The court, however, questioned why the accused were not given a chance for a hearing before the demolition was carried out. A division bench of Justices Nitin Sambre and Vrushali Joshi sought a response from civic and government authorities, with the next hearing scheduled for April 15. Advocate Ashwin Ingole, representing Khan, stated that if the demolition was found to be unlawful, the authorities could be held liable for damages.
The violence in Nagpur erupted on March 17 following misinformation about the burning of a ‘chadar’ with religious inscriptions during protests by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), which was demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The riots led to injuries to 33 police personnel, including three senior officers. Khan, the leader of the Minority Democratic Party, is currently in jail and facing sedition charges in connection with the unrest.
Nagpur civic commissioner Harish Raut defended the demolition, stating that the house was owned by Khan’s mother, Zahirunnisa Shamim Khan, and was not sanctioned by the authorities. Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sanjay Patil confirmed that the operation was completed peacefully. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Minister Pratap Sarnaik called for stricter action against Khan, controversially stating that “a bulldozer should be run over him, not his house.” Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that the costs of damages during the riots would be recovered from those responsible. He also warned that individuals who circulated inflammatory material would be booked for inciting violence, suggesting a link between the riots and Khan’s political background.
The Supreme Court had previously issued guidelines mandating a 15-day notice period before demolitions, barring exceptions for public encroachment or court-ordered demolitions. Legal experts suggest that the Nagpur authorities’ actions could face scrutiny in light of these directives. The controversy surrounding the demolition and its legal implications is expected to unfold further as the case progresses in court.
