Building bylaws too under scrutiny, say authorities

The recent demolition drive against properties linked to alleged drug peddlers has been widely perceived as a crackdown by the police on the drug trade.

- Tarsem Singh Deogan

LUDHIANA: However, in reality, the action was initiated by civic authorities against encroachments and violations of building bylaws. The police were merely present to provide security during the operations, but the narrative painted a different picture—one that linked the demolitions directly to drug money.

Commissioner of police Kuldeep Singh Chahal stated that while the owners of the demolished properties were indeed accused of drug peddling, the primary reason for the action was their failure to comply with building regulations. "In several cases, constructions were carried out on encroached land, leading to legal action," he explained.