Pimpri-Chinchwad Church Demolition: Kalewadi Action Sparks Controversy Over Alleged Stay Order
A late-night demolition drive in Tapkir Mala, Kalewadi, Pimpri-Chinchwad, has sparked controversy after the municipal corporation demolished a church as part of action against alleged unauthorised constructions. Church members have claimed that the demolition was carried out despite a court stay order and just hours before a scheduled hearing. The members have also alleged that they were not served any prior notice and were prevented from recording the demolition.
Late-Night Demolition in Kalewadi
The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) carried out a late-night action in the Tapkir Mala area of Kalewadi on September 8, during which a church was demolished.
According to church members, they received information about the demolition and reached the site at around 3 am. They claimed that three JCB machines and a large police presence had been deployed at the location.
The church members said they informed officials that a court stay order was in place and that a hearing in the matter was scheduled for Monday.
Church Members Allege No Prior Notice
Church member Rose, who said she has been associated with the church for around 10 years, alleged that the demolition was carried out without giving the members adequate prior notice.
Another member, Sam, claimed that no 24-hour or 48-hour notice had been issued before the action. As a result, he said, several belongings and other items inside the church could not be removed before the demolition.
The church members have demanded that the civic administration clarify the legal basis for the action.
Allegations Over Court Stay Remain Unresolved
The church members have specifically alleged that the demolition took place despite a court stay order and shortly before the scheduled hearing.
However, the PCMC's statement regarding the demolition does not provide clarification on the alleged court proceedings or stay order. Senior civic officials were reportedly unavailable for comment.
Therefore, the status and applicability of the alleged stay order, as well as the legal circumstances surrounding the demolition, remain matters requiring clarification.
PCMC Says Action Targeted Unauthorised Constructions
The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation said it had undertaken action against unauthorised constructions in Rajwade Nagar and Kalewadi.
According to the civic body, approximately 7,400 square feet of construction was demolished during the drive.
The municipal corporation's action was described as part of its broader enforcement against unauthorised structures in the area.
Questions Raised Over Selective Action
Church member Sam also claimed that similar action had not been taken against other unauthorised constructions in the surrounding area.
The allegation has raised questions among church members about the manner in which the demolition drive was conducted. They have sought transparency regarding the legal orders, notices and procedures followed before the structure was demolished.
The matter is expected to attract further attention as the details of the court proceedings and the civic body's legal basis for the action become clearer.