MC–GMADA team returns empty-handed again as immigration firm stalls action

“Today (Wednesday) the police force could not be made available, due to which the action could not be completed. Tomorrow police support will be provided and the drive will continue without any obstruction,” Mohali Municipal Commissioner Parvinder Pal Singh said.

This came a day after Tuesday’s drive was similarly stalled due to lack of police presence.

Company staff oppose action, women sent ahead to block officials

As soon as preparations for the action began, employees of Seabird Immigration started protesting. According to officials, the company management allegedly put women employees in the front to obstruct the demolition.

A heated argument followed between officials and company staff. Once officers signalled strict measures, the staff requested some time and assured they would remove the illegal structures themselves but no progress was seen on ground.

Officials added that inspection revealed extensive illegal construction in the parking area behind the showroom, including unauthorised storerooms, washrooms, walls, and a generator placed in the parking space.

They confirmed that all such structures are in violation of norms and must be demolished, but the company’s influence is delaying action.

Some sources said the company enjoys strong connections in government circles and maintains close ties with local police, which is the real reason behind the stalled action.

Reacting on the developments, Deputy Mayor Kuljit Singh Bedi underscored that action should be taken without any “pick and choose”. “No matter how influential someone is, they should not be spared. If this continues, anger among Mohali residents will rise and the administration will be held responsible,” Bedi added.

Mohali’s Akali Dal president Parvinder Singh Sohana claimed that “influential people are being protected while common citizens and the poor are being targeted”. “Such pick-and-choose policy is unacceptable. We will move the high court if needed,” Sohana added.

Police blame cricket match for insufficient personnel 

DSP City-2 Harsimran Singh Bal, responding to questions over non-availability of force, said that police personnel are busy with security arrangements for the upcoming India–South Africa cricket match. “Once the match concludes tomorrow, police force will be provided the day after,” he added.

With enforcement stalled for the second day, local anger has risen sharply. Residents questioned why action against influential violators is repeatedly delayed when strict moves are taken against ordinary people.

Officials maintained that if the company does not remove the illegal construction on its own, strict action will be launched with full police support.

In this matter, the owner of Seabird Immigration, Pirtpal Singh Bobby, said that the space behind the showrooms is meant for utility purposes, and shopkeepers should be allowed to keep generators there. He stated that his company made “only a temporary encroachment” and according to what the anti-encroachment team conveyed, he is removing the encroachment on his own.

Meanwhile, in Phase 11, the administration has given time to residents to remove encroachments outside EWS houses where shops and other structures were built illegally in Phase 11 also.

Earlier in the day, the MC’s Tehbazari wing, led by Superintendent Mandeep Singh, continued its anti-encroachment drive across major city roads in Phase 10 and 11 and market parking areas, removing roadside vendors and seizing their material.