Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
Illegal properties belonging to AIMIM corporator Matin Khan in Naregaon, who allegedly provided shelter to Nida Khan, were demolished on Wednesday. Planning for the operation had been finalised during a two-hour high-level meeting between municipal corporation and police officials at 9 pm on Tuesday night. After continuously gathering intelligence regarding the involvement of certain anti-social elements, senior police officials and the intelligence department successfully carried out the operation on Wednesday early morning.
The municipal corporation had planned action against his unauthorised house construction and office premises after Matin’s arrest. The corporation’s intentions had become clear after notices were issued. Matin had approached the Aurangabad Bench of the Bombay High Court seeking a stay on the action. However, the bench refused to grant a stay, after which the civic administration proceeded with its preparations.
Sensing the impending action, AIMIM state president Imtiaz Jaleel arrived in Naregaon along with 34 corporators and hundreds of party workers, creating tension in the area until around 2 am. However, the police managed to bring the situation under control through effective communication.
High-Level meeting held immediately after returning to the city
At around 5 pm on Tuesday evening, the High Court bench refused to stay the municipal corporation’s action. At that time, Municipal Commissioner Amol Yedge was in Mumbai on official work. As soon as he returned to the city by flight at 9 pm, a high-level meeting between municipal and police officials was convened, during which arrangements for security and the demolition drive were finalised.
Demolition was planned to be conducted in darkness
There was a possibility of tension erupting during the demolition. To avoid this, the police had advised the municipal corporation to complete the operation by 4 am.
Accordingly, preparations were made. At 11 pm, police officials issued orders directing all senior officers and inspectors to remain present for bandobast duties.
The police arrived at 4 am, however, the municipal corporation team reached only at 6 am, causing the police plan to complete the operation under the cover of darkness to fail. The demolition was subsequently carried out under heavy security.
Emphasis on confidential intelligence to prevent tension
There was a strong possibility of large-scale tension during the operation. Keeping this in mind, the intelligence department, police special branch, and officers and staff from local police stations began collecting confidential information in plain clothes. They visited lanes and by-lanes to gather assessments from informants. Updates continued to be provided to senior officials until 3.30 am. As a result, senior police officers remained highly vigilant throughout the night, closely monitoring the operation.
256 police personnel deployed
Along with the acting commissioner of police, the deployment included 1 deputy commissioner of police, 2 assistant commissioners of police, 10 police inspectors, 15 male and 8 female assistant inspectors/PSI, 120 male and 60 female constables, 120 armed personnel from the riot control unit, and 30 personnel from the quick response team stationed until morning. For the next few days, two police officers, ten constables, riot control personnel, and SRPF jawans will remain deployed in Naregaon round the clock.