NSUI Alleges Assault at AMC Estate Office; Deputy TDO Alleges Threats

A dispute broke out at the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation’s (AMC) West Zone estate office on Thursday when NSUI and Youth Congress workers visited the office to seek action on complaints against paying guest (PG) facilities operating in residential societies in Navrangpura.

NSUI state spokesperson Harsh Soni alleged that he was assaulted during the confrontation and submitted an application to the Navrangpura police. However, West Zone Deputy Town Development Officer (TDO) Maheshkumar Tabiyad alleged that Soni had gathered a crowd at the office, threatened staff and knocked files off a table.

NSUI alleges inaction on complaints

According to Soni, local residents and students had complained about PG facilities operating in residential societies in Navrangpura. He also alleged that some PG facilities were being run in structures created by covering dhabas with metal sheets.

Following the complaints, a representation was made to the Deputy Municipal Commissioner, who directed them to approach West Zone Deputy TDO Maheshkumar Tabiyad.

Soni said a complaint containing details such as society names and house numbers had been submitted around one-and-a-half months ago. As no action had been taken, the workers visited the TDO’s office again on Thursday to ask when action would be taken against the PG facilities.

He alleged that the officials failed to provide a satisfactory response, following which the workers sat inside the office. An argument reportedly followed, during which NSUI workers were allegedly manhandled. Soni claimed that he was also attacked.

Deputy TDO says notice process completed

Tabiyad, meanwhile, said the department had received complaints about PG facilities operating at multiple locations in Navrangpura.

He said officials had inspected the sites and completed the process of issuing notices in accordance with the applicable legal provisions.

According to Tabiyad, further action to implement the notices takes time after the deadline specified in them expires. He claimed that the complainants arrived at the office on Thursday evening and aggressively questioned why the PG facilities had not yet been sealed.

Deputy TDO alleges intimidation by a group

Tabiyad further alleged that Soni called other people to the office, gathered a crowd and threatened staff. He claimed that files were knocked off a table during the confrontation.

The deputy TDO said the individuals were asked to leave the office and that the police department was informed about the incident. He also alleged that the complainant had threatened staff members on an earlier occasion.

Police application seeks action

Both sides have levelled allegations against each other over the incident. NSUI has sought an impartial investigation and legal action against those found responsible.

The organisation has also demanded that the original complaints concerning PG facilities in Navrangpura be resolved in accordance with the rules. The matter has been brought to the attention of the Navrangpura police through an application. The allegations from both sides remain subject to investigation.