A fresh controversy has erupted in Surat after the municipal corporation demolished an alleged illegal rooftop structure linked to a property owned by a senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader, only to return the seized materials to the site within hours.
The unusual sequence of events has sparked sharp political reactions, with opposition leaders questioning whether influential people are being treated differently from ordinary citizens.
The action was carried out by the Surat Municipal Corporation in the Katargam zone after a complaint was filed by local resident Kiran Sumra. He alleged that an extended shed outside a flat in Krupa Residency had become an obstacle for nearby residents.
Civic officials reached the spot on Tuesday, demolished the structure and took away some materials. But what happened next raised eyebrows — the same civic vehicle reportedly returned to the site and unloaded the confiscated materials.
Sources said the flat belongs to BJP National General Secretary (Kishan Morcha) Babubhai Jebaliya, though it is currently rented out.
Katargam zone executive engineer Kamlesh Vasava defended the move, saying, “We received a complaint and acted on it. The concerned party paid the demolition charges of ₹5,000, so our team returned the materials.”
He added that another complaint had also been received against the original complainant. “We found that Kiran Sumra had also made an encroachment outside his flat. A notice has been issued to him, and we are waiting for his reply before taking further action,” Vasava said.
Opposition questions ‘double standards’
The incident has now become a major political talking point in Gujarat, with critics accusing the administration of showing leniency because of political connections.
Opposition leaders argue that if similar action is taken against common citizens, the seized material is usually not returned so quickly. They say the development raises serious questions about fairness and equal application of the law.
The controversy comes at a time when demolition drives and anti-encroachment campaigns are already under scrutiny in different parts of the state.
Ahmedabad Police Commissioner race heats up
Meanwhile, administrative circles in Gujarat are closely watching the race for the next Police Commissioner of Ahmedabad after the appointment of IPS officer G S Malik as the new Director General of Police.
Sources suggest that a Gujarat-cadre IPS officer currently serving on central deputation in Delhi may soon return to take charge of Ahmedabad Police. While no official announcement has been made, speculation is growing.
Several names are being discussed within government circles, though insiders say a surprise choice cannot be ruled out.
BJP infighting resurfaces in Narmada
At the same time, the BJP is also facing internal tensions in Gujarat’s Narmada district.
BJP MLA Dr Darshanaben Deshmukh walked out of an event in Rajpipla marking 12 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, alleging that she was publicly humiliated.
She later began a symbolic fast, which received support from BJP MP Mansukh Vasava and other party leaders.
The situation was defused after BJP state General Secretary Prashant Korat intervened and assured the leaders that their concerns would be heard at the party headquarters, Kamalam.
Although the fast has ended, the incident has once again exposed factionalism within the ruling party in Gujarat.
