2 days ago
Woman sets herself ablaze during demolition drive in Ahmedabad, admitted to hospital with 80% burns
A 37-year-old woman who owns a grocery store in Jashodanagar area of the city set herself ablaze during a demolition drive by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) on Thursday.
The woman has sustained 80% burns and her condition is critical, said police and hospital authorities.
Following the immolation attempt, a crowd of people pelted the AMC team with stones after which a complaint of rioting was filed against them.
The incident took place in the morning when the Estate Department of the AMC arrived in the area to demolish Narmada Kumavat's shop, which was considered an unauthorised structure. As Kumawat poured kerosene on herself and attempted self-immolation, three men who tried to save her also suffered burn injuries.
Speaking to The Indian Express, Dr Leena Dabhi, Medical Superintendent of LG Hospital, said, 'The woman has received 80% burns on her body and is currently under critical care. The three men who came with her also suffered minor injuries.'
ACP PG Jadeja of 'J' Division said the woman's condition is critical.
Officials of AMC's Town Development department told The Indian Express that the civic body had followed the rules, adding that despite several notices issued and the shop being sealed, illegal construction was carried out at the site.
'First, a notice was issued under Section 267 on February 12, 2024, to shop numbers 11 and 12 at Jai Shree Complex in Ramol Hathijan ward, TP Scheme number 64 (Ghodasar). This was followed by another notice under 260 (1) served on February 14, 2024. One more notice was issued under 260 (2) on February 21, 2024. The said construction was sealed on February 17, 2024, and demolished on June 16,2024, and declared 'non-use'. After that, construction resumed, which was planned to be removed on August 14. There was a clash and the staff was attacked,' Vinay C Gupta, deputy Town Development Officer and deputy Estate Officer, East Zone, told The Indian Express.
A group of traders also carried out a march to have a complaint filed against the AMC team.
ACP Jadeja told The Indian Express, 'When the AMC went to demolish commercial structures, a woman named Narmada Kumavat attempted self-immolation. She is critical and in the hospital. A diary note was made at Vatva GIDC police station and her declaration has been taken with due process. However, a complaint in the matter has not been filed as the AMC team were only doing their job.'
On the stone pelting, ACP Jadeja said, 'We have filed a complaint against a mob for rioting.'
When asked if there was police bandobast during the demolition drive, ACP Jadeja said that police protection had been sought but the AMC team went ahead with the demolition before approval could come through. However, the Vatva GIDC police had reached the spot immediately when the ruckus and suicide attempt were reported to the control room.
Section 260 of the Bombay Provincial Municipal Corporation (BPMC) Act, 1949, pertains to actions against unauthorised building construction or work, and outlines the process for the AMC to take action against structures or work commenced or carried out contrary to the rules, regulations, or bye-laws of the civic body. Section 267 specifically empowers the Commissioner to issue written notice to stop any building or work being carried out unlawfully. If the work continues, the Commissioner can take further action, including directing removal by police and preventing re-entry.
