02 July,2026 03:57 PM IST | Kolkata | mid-day online correspondent
Bulldozers were used to demolish the structure in the Moukhali area. Representational Pic/File
The district administration demolished an allegedly illegal cafe built on the banks of the Matla River in South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, officials said on Thursday, reported the IANS.
The cafe, named Aranyer Kule, was owned by Imran Molla, son of former Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Saokat Molla, who was recently arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with the Bhangar bomb blast case, the news agency reported.
Bulldozers were used to demolish the structure in the Moukhali area under the jurisdiction of Jibantala police station. A heavy police presence was deployed during the operation, which officials said was carried out peacefully.
The district administration had issued a notice to Imran Molla on 22 June, directing him to remove the allegedly unauthorised structure within seven days.
Officials had warned that if the owner failed to act, the administration would carry out the demolition and recover the cost from him.
After the deadline expired without compliance, authorities proceeded with the demolition on Thursday.
According to officials, Imran Molla had earlier been asked to submit all legal documents relating to the land by June 18, as per the IANS.
Although his lawyer attended the hearing, the administration said no valid ownership or land documents were produced.
The failure to establish legal ownership reportedly prompted the authorities to initiate demolition proceedings, reported the IANS.
The cafe came under official scrutiny during investigations involving the family of former MLA Saokat Molla.
Before Saokat Molla's arrest, investigators had questioned his son, Imran Molla, as part of the inquiry, according to the IANS.
Authorities later placed notices at the cafe seeking details about the property and its ownership.
The cafe was reportedly constructed when Saokat Molla was the influential MLA from Canning Purba, the news agency reported.
Local residents have alleged that Imran Molla benefited from his father's political influence while carrying out activities in the area.
Officials, however, said the current action was taken strictly in accordance with the law as part of the investigation into alleged encroachment.
The administration said further inquiries are continuing.
(with IANS inputs)
