Surat Officials Suspended After Slum Demolition Denial

In Surat, five officials have been suspended by the civic body in connection with the demolition of nearly 100 houses in the Nasirnagar slum. This disciplinary action follows an earlier denial by the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) of any involvement in the incident, a stance contradicted by admissions made before the Gujarat High Court. Lawyers for the state government and the SMC commissioner conceded to the High Court that the events at Nasirnagar were inappropriate and should not have transpired.

The Gujarat High Court had critically questioned the administration about the extensive police presence during what was described as a land demarcation process. The bench expressed significant dissatisfaction with the municipal commissioner's performance and the month-long delay in taking effective action. The court highlighted that apparent criminal activities occurred while police remained passive observers. Authorities confirmed that a specialized team is investigating, and police were notified to manage law and order during the supposed demarcation.