SMC demolishes unauthorised shed linked to BJP leader, returns materials; complainant gets notice

The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) on Tuesday demolished an unauthorised shed structure in the Katargam zone, which was attached to a residential flat in Krupa Residency. The owner of the flat is a local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader. The action came after a written complaint from Kiran Sumra, a resident of the nearby Palav Park society, who alleged that the shed was an illegal extension causing obstruction and inconvenience to residents.

According to civic officials, the shed was being used as an accommodation and was built without necessary permissions. Following standard procedure, the SMC razed the structure and seized the construction materials. However, in a development that has drawn attention, the officials later returned the seized materials to the BJP leader, citing no reason publicly. The SMC has not issued any formal statement explaining this decision.

Simultaneously, the civic body has sent a notice to complainant Kiran Sumra, stating that he had “illegally encroached” upon the same shed structure. The notice requires Sumra to respond, and further action may follow depending on his reply. The SMC has not clarified whether the notice to Sumra is based on a counter-complaint or independent inspection.

The sequence of events has raised questions among local residents, but there is no official confirmation of any procedural lapses. Municipal authorities often act on complaints regarding unauthorised constructions, and the return of materials is not standard practice unless legally mandated. The notice to the complainant indicates that the civic body may be examining the matter from multiple angles.

The SMC’s Katargam zone office has not commented on the record. Sources familiar with the matter stated that both parties have been asked to maintain status quo until the full facts are ascertained. Further details are awaited.