The demolition of an old market shed at Jalabazar under the Uttar Padmabil Gram Panchayat has sparked widespread controversy, with residents and traders demanding a transparent and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the action. Allegations relating to land ownership disputes, procedural irregularities, and the alleged unauthorized sale of materials from the demolished structure have intensified tensions in the area.
According to local residents, discussions had been underway regarding the construction of a new market shed to improve facilities for traders. However, instead of witnessing the start of new construction, locals were surprised by the sudden demolition of the existing shed. Many residents claim that the land on which the market stands is jointly owned by 72 individuals and allege that the demolition was carried out without obtaining their consent or the necessary no-objection certificates.
Villagers have further alleged that although the Agriculture Department reportedly completed the tender process for the proposed project, neither the market committee nor the traders operating in the area were consulted before the demolition was undertaken. As a result, several small business owners now face uncertainty regarding their future operations and livelihoods.
The controversy has deepened with allegations against Gram Panchayat Pradhan Prabir Das, who is said to have supervised the work. Residents claim that valuable materials from the old structure, including tin sheets, timber, and iron components, were removed and sold without official approval or a government-sanctioned auction process. However, no official records or documents have yet been presented publicly to confirm or refute these allegations.
Adding to public concern are claims of a possible conflict of interest, with some locals alleging that individuals connected to the market committee are also associated with the implementation of the project.
As tensions continue to simmer, residents and traders are united in their demand for immediate administrative intervention, a thorough inquiry, and full disclosure of facts. Until the filing of this report, no official response had been issued by the Panchayat authorities regarding the allegations.
