Illegal Structure Linked To Rape Case Suspect’s Kin Demolished; Two-Storey Commercial Complex Was Constructed Worth ₹5 Crore

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The district administration on Thursday demolished an illegally constructed two-storey commercial complex in Anantpur area, owned by Sohail Ahmed (Sohail Machhli), brother of Shariq Machhli - a suspect in Bhopal’s high-profile rape and blackmail case.

Officials said the demolition freed government land worth Rs 5 crore. The action was carried out under the supervision of SDM Vinod Sonkia and Tehsildar Anurag Tripathi.

According to the officials, the JCBs were deployed to bring down the illegal structure on the government land in presence of heavy police force. Barricading on both sides of the road was done and dividers were installed to ensure smooth execution of the operation.

Police presence prevented any disturbance during the demolition. SDM Sonkia told media persons that despite prior notice served by the tehsildar, the encroacher did not clear the unauthorized construction.

The accused, Sohail Ahmed (Sohail Machli), a resident of Anantpur, had illegally built a double storey commercial complex on government land on approximately 3,000 square feet of government land.

Sonkia further said that the building stood on a prime section of Anantpur's main road, drawing several complaints from locals. Acting on these, the district administration and police launched the demolition drive.

Collector Kaushlendra Vikram Singh said, "Continuous action is being taken against encroachment for the last 4-5 days and this will continue across the district."