By AFRA ABUBACKER / Maktoob Media
Two hotels in Udupi, Zaithoon and Zara owned by the Social Democratic Party of India President and his brother were demolished by the Udupi Municipality Council early this morning, citing the absence of licence.
However, Nazeer Ahmed, owner of Zaithoon and Udupi district SDPI president alleged it was selective targeting.
“There are around 18 buildings without licence in Udupi. But just because we supported the girls and participated in the Karnataka bandh against the hijab ban we are being attacked,” said Nazeer Ahmed.
#Udupi #SDPI district president Nazeer Ahmed's shop was removed by the #Mangalore city corporation allegedly for violating building norms. Nazeer alleges that it is political vendetta on the part of ruling #BJP govt. #Karnataka. pic.twitter.com/ncS4AInOkK
— Imran Khan (@KeypadGuerilla) March 26, 2022
The hotel is constructed on the Waqf property belonging to Jamia Masjid in the city. Previously a scrap shop had stood there. In 2018 a demolition order was issued by CMC, as the hotel was renovated and extended to an 1800 sq ft area without receiving approval.
“We had applied for the licence but it was getting delayed even though the portion before the extension has got door number. We had a stay order against the demolition order, but the stay was vacated in August,” says Nazeer.
Nazeer said they have got the trade licence and only the extended part was remaining to receive the licence.
Admitting that there are buildings without a licence in Udupi town, MLA Raghupathi Bhat from BJP said, “It was earlier decided in the general body meeting by Municipal Council that the hotel will be demolished.” He added that all the buildings that have failed to get licences will soon be demolished.
While the case is pending in court, without prior notice a huge contingent of police along with a bulldozer had come to demolish the hotel, which brought local sentiments against the government. Previously the hotel was in the news after ANI reported their free food service.
However, after negotiation owners themselves were left to remove the building, with the Municipality officials overseeing the arrangements.
This story first appeared on maktoobmedia.com