Bhopal: Authorities in Madhya Pradesh’s capital city Bhopal on Thursday demolished illegal constructions belonging to the Machhli family on government land in the Kokta locality. The action comes as part of a crackdown following the arrest of Shawar Ahmed alias Machhli and his nephew Yasin Ahmed alias Machhli last month for possessing MDMA drugs under the state’s anti-drug campaign, ‘Nashe Se Doori Hai Zaroori.’

Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Neeraj Chaurasia stated that a thorough investigation was conducted into the family’s properties, and those found to be illegal or encroaching on government land were identified through the revenue court. “Earlier, action was taken at six locations last month, and today we are demolishing the remaining illegal structure,” Chaurasia said, adding that the demolition was carried out peacefully with the deployment of around 250 police personnel to maintain law and order.

Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Vinod Kumar confirmed that the entire construction stood on government land, prompting the Tehsildar court to issue an order for its removal. The Municipal Corporation had also served notice before the demolition. “Around 15,000–20,000 square feet of illegal construction is being cleared today. Similar actions will continue if more such encroachments are identified,” he added.

Earlier on July 30, six illegal properties allegedly linked to drug peddlers Yasin Ahmed and Shawar Ahmed were demolished as part of the ongoing crackdown on criminal networks and illegal encroachments in the city. Investigations remain underway to identify and remove further illegal structures.