Another demolition drive: Police put ‘on hold’ Railways request for security personnel

According to a source, the railways wrote to DCP (East), ACP (Gandhi Nagar sub-division) and SHO of Gandhi Nagar police station in November for security personnel.

“In their letter, they informed they wanted to conduct the demolition drive in the slum area of Kailash Nagar near the railway track on December 19. They said they wanted to clear the encroachment because it had become a problem for train operations,” said the source.

There are nearly 200 shanties in Kailash Nagar near the railway track and several notices were served on them to remove unauthorised constructions on railway land, said the source. “The Railways asked the Delhi Police to provide security during their demolition drive.”

Sources said the Gandhi Nagar police station SHO forwarded the letter from the Railways to seniors, who put the request on hold, citing sensitivity of the matter.
“A senior officer also approached the Delhi Police Special Branch, asking them to gather intelligence inputs about the illegal encroachment in Kailash Nagar area and inform the local police,” added the sources.

Chief Public Relation Officer (CPRO), Northern Railways, Neeraj Sharma said, “As the matter is sub judice, we will not conduct any demolition drive in Shahdara area.”