SMC committee formed to crack ‘ghost razing’ mystery

Surat: Ten days after around 100 houses were demolished in Nasirnagar area of Katargam, there is still no official clarity on who carried out the controversial “ghost demolition,” prompting widespread protests, political agitation and a petition in the High Court. In response, Surat Municipal Commissioner M Nagarajan has now constituted a committee to investigate the incident.

The demolition, which took place on May 30, allegedly occurred in the presence of senior Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) officials, including executive engineer J.R. Jivenramjiwala, along with police personnel. However, the absence of accountability over the execution of the action has triggered allegations and public outrage.

According to the order issued by the municipal commissioner, the committee has been tasked with examining the role of SMC officials present at the site during the incident and determining responsibility for the demolition.

The committee will be headed by deputy municipal commissioner MM Gajjar. Other members include DyMC MM Doctor, additional city engineer MD Chavda, executive engineer KL Vasava, executive engineer RD Ganjawala, and deputy engineer Mohsin Kagji.

The move comes after sustained protests by Nasirnagar residents, who demonstrated at the Surat Municipal Corporation office, forcing officials to shut the premises. The Congress also staged a protest outside the municipal commissioner’s residence, following which police detained more than 50 party workers. The party submitted a memorandum demanding strict action against those responsible and rehabilitation measures for displaced residents.

Meanwhile, a Surat-based lawyer has filed a petition in the Gujarat High Court seeking judicial intervention in the matter.