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Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) on Monday launched a mega demolition drive in the Jamalpur area, targeting illegal constructions on municipal land near Untwali Chali.
Under heavy police deployment, the AMC’s estate department demolished around 30 shops, including those allegedly controlled by notorious local operator Bilal Sheikh, who had been illegally occupying and renting out the structures for over 16 years.
According to official sources, Bilal had unauthorisedly taken possession of the municipal property and was collecting rent from shop owners despite having no legal rights over the land.
The corporation has planned to continue its operation for the next couple of days to clear over 13,000 square yards of encroached land.
The land in question, located in the Lati Bazaar locality of Jamalpur, had originally been leased by AMC to tenants.
However, the lease expired in 2009, and no further action was taken by the then deputy estate officer or other officials to reclaim the property.
During this period, Bilal Sheikh took control of the site, raised unauthorised shops, and began collecting rent illegally.
Sources allege that the illegal structures flourished due to collusion between certain AMC officials and Bilal, allowing the encroachment to continue unchecked for over a decade.