Assam: Massive eviction drive at Naliapool Ganesh Mandir sparks legal storm

A CORRESPONDENT

DIBRUGARH: A major eviction drive by the Dibrugarh district administration at the premises of the Naliapool Ganesh Mandir (Alokhiya Ganesh Mandir) on Thursday triggered high drama, protests, and a legal controversy after residents and lawyers alleged that the operation was carried out despite a court-issued stay order.

Using bulldozers, officials demolished several houses and commercial establishments that, according to the administration, had been illegally constructed on temple land over the years. The operation was conducted in the presence of East Circle Officer Samujjal Borah, officials of the Dibrugarh Municipal Corporation (DMC), and a heavy deployment of Assam police personnel.

As the demolition began, affected residents strongly objected, claiming they had already challenged the eviction notice before a competent court and had obtained a stay order. They alleged that despite informing officials about the court's direction, the eviction continued unabated.

The situation turned tense as advocates representing the residents reached the site and claimed that the authorities refused to consider the stay order. According to the lawyers, officials allegedly declined to engage in discussions and proceeded with the demolition using bulldozers even though, they claimed, the matter was sub judice.

The advocates further alleged that officials demanded to see their vakalatnama instead of examining the court documents they had brought. They claimed that attempts to explain the legal position were ignored and that the authorities continued with the eviction despite objections. Residents also alleged that they were threatened with arrest when they attempted to present the stay order to officials.

Also Read: Assam: Massive eviction drive near Silchar to clear Bharatmala site