Indore: A four-storey building belonging to Dr Izhar Munshi, an employee in the office of the divisional joint director, was demolished by the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) on Saturday in a dramatic controlled blast operation, reported the Free Press Journal.The demolition, which brought down the entire structure in just five seconds, has sparked debate and allegations of corruption, as sources claim that the action was taken after the owner reportedly refused to pay a bribe.
While the IMC stated that the building was “illegal” and violated urban development norms, including the mandatory 9-meter setback from a nearby drain, locals and those close to the matter allege that the demolition was triggered not purely by legal reasons but due to the owner’s resistance to unofficial monetary demands.
The building, located in Ward 31 on plot number 234 of PU-4, had been under scrutiny for several years. Repeated notices were reportedly issued by the authorities, but no action had been taken until now. Initial attempts to demolish the structure with a JCB machine were called off due to the risk of collapse during partial demolition. Subsequently, experts were called in to carry out a controlled demolition using explosives placed in over ten structural pillars.
A massive dust cloud engulfed the area as the structure crumbled in seconds. Officials said the operation was carried out under strict safety protocols, and no injuries were reported. The surrounding area was sealed off before the explosion to ensure public safety.
The IMC maintained that the building had unauthorised elements like a basement and enclosed front and rear sections. However, the timing and manner of the demolition have led to public suspicion, especially after whispers of bribery demands surfaced.
Dr Munshi has not yet issued a public statement. Meanwhile, civic activists are calling for an independent inquiry into whether due process was followed and whether selective targeting is at play.
