The demolitions were done to build the 'Unity Mall' proposed by the Telangana State Trade Promotion Corporation Ltd. This building was proposed to be constructed on five acres and 16 guntas with an investment of Rs 213 crore.
Around 20 members of one family used to live in one of the houses spread over 500 square yards, and it was demolished on Monday. The four other structures, occupying another 500 square yards, housed around 150 workers.
The land is being claimed by Hyderabad Tanneries represented by Mohamed Basith Ali Khan. He told Deccan Chronicle: “Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TSIIC) officials asked for an out-of-court settlement and offered me money. I said that I would only oblige court orders.” He also accused TSIIC officials of mistreating him.
The residents said that they had been rendered homeless and alleged that the officials did not serve a notice to them prior to demolition. The structures were over five decades old, they said.
According to officials, the houses were located on government land, Survey No.s 1,3,4,19 of Raidurgam , Serilingampally mandal.
Officials of Telangana State Leather Industries Promotion Corporation and Telangana State Trade Promotion Corporation were present at the demolition site in addition to GHMC staff . GHMC officials later denied their presence at the site.
