HYDERABAD: Civil administration demolished on Saturday illegal structures raised over last several years in connivance with local officials on around 200 acres of land, including an ice factory owned reportedly by a sitting AIG of police.

The operation was supervised by Ayesha Abro, deputy commissioner of Hyderabad who had to seek help from Rangers personnel to protect the anti-encroachment personnel after policemen withdrew from action against the ice factory owned by an AIG who was posted in Karachi. The structures included a clinic, a hotel, and installations of solar panels.

Sources said the anti-encroachment staff was clearing Noor Mohammad Shoro Road — which connected parts of Qasimabad with Hyderabad bypass — where illegal structures had mushroomed on both sides on 200 acres that also included the land meant for Sabzi Mandi.

The construction had been made despite status quo over the land’s use granted by a court concerned. The DC was said to have informed the court that its status quo was being violated and commercial activities continued on the land unendingly. The court then directed the administration to ensure the implementation of the status quo in the case.

The operation that began around noon continued till sunset under police protection but when the anti-encroachment cell’s staff tried to pull down the AIG’s ice factory the policemen withdrew, forcing the DC to seek Rangers’ help in completing the remaining task.

“Yes we did call Rangers after the policemen withdrew from the area. I was implementing the court’s order to ensure status quo by removing commercial activities which also included a parking lot, clinics, ice factory and a hotel,” she said.

She said that it was originally agricultural land which was being misused for commercial activities in flagrant violation of the court’s order.

According to a handout, the DC appreciated efforts of Assistant Commissioner of Qasimabad Fida Hussain Shoro and said that no one was above the law. The Sindh High Court and the chief minister had issued clear directives to restore glory of the city and remove all kinds of encroachments, said the handout.

Published in Dawn, October 20th, 2019