`What is the hurry’: Telangana HC raps HYDRAA over demolition drive in Ranga Reddy’s Koheda
HYDRAA has requested the petitioner to furnish property documentation, including pattadar passbooks within one day
By Sistla Dakshina Murthy Published on 10 Feb 2025 10:29 AM IST
Hyderabad: High Court raps HYDRAA for demolition in Ranga Reddy district
Hyderabad: Telangana High Court slammed HYDRAA for its urgency in carrying out demolition operations at Koheda village, Abdullapurmet Mandal in Ranga Reddy district on Sunday.
Justice K Lakshman heard a house motion filed by Samreddy Bala Reddy, disputing HYDRAA's February 7 notice. Justice Lakshman questioned HYDRAA, asking: "What is the hurry?"
HYDRAA has requested the petitioner to furnish property documentation, including pattadar passbooks, within one day of compliance. The court halted HYDRAA authorities' demolition operation in Koheda, Abdullapurmet Mandal, citing procedural flaws and a lack of fair opportunity.
Petitioner's counsel E Venkata Siddhartha, stated that the notice was delivered on a Friday. Compliance was sought by Saturday, and demolitions commenced on Sunday, leaving little time for response, he said.
By the time of the hearing, the HYDRAA completed the demolition drive.HYDRAA carried out a demolition drive on unauthorized structures in survey numbers 951 and 952 in Koheda village, Abdullapurmet Mandal, Ranga Reddy district, amid tight police security.
This action by the HYDRAA came following a complaint filed by the Radhe Dhamam Layout Plot Owners Welfare Association which alleged that Samreddy Bala Reddy encroached upon their plots, erected boundary walls, and blocked internal roads.
A review of land records revealed that in 1986, proprietors K Ramulu, Peddayya, and Esayya developed the region as a gram panchayat layout. However, Balreddy allegedly took possession of the site, built a farmhouse, acquired many plots, and blocked access by obstructing roads.
HYDRAA officials served notices to both parties, requesting them to submit pertinent documents. On Saturday, both parties appeared in front of tax and municipal officials for record verification.
Turkayamjal Municipality acknowledged that no permits had been issued for the farmhouse, shed, compound wall, or fencing. The property owners accused Balreddy of forging documents to claim ownership after the plots had already been sold.
After an investigation, HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath ordered that all unauthorized structures be demolished. Following the demotions in Koheda on Sunday, around 170 plots were freed from encroachment.
