KoPT repossesses huge plot of land with police aid

Kolkata: Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT), with the assistance of Kolkata Police, has been able to take possession of a land measuring 21,570 square metre at Sonai Road near Garden Reach after a long legal battle. The

plot of land was under unauthorised occupation of Ms

G Q Mondal and was being used illegally for keeping containers.

"Our legal department has filed a petition in Calcutta High Court through a noted solicitor firm praying for eviction of the unauthorised occupants. The high court has recently passed the order so that we can take possession of the land within 15 days," a senior official of KoPT said.

Kolkata Police has provided active support to the port authorities. Some unauthorised people who were trying to disturb the law and order situation were controlled by police. Some were arrested as well.

An eviction order under Public Premises Act was issued earlier on September 2014 and attempts were made by KoPT to take over possession.

But it failed due to hindrance caused by unauthorised occupants. There were outstanding dues to KoPT to the tune of more than Rs 17 crore. The KoPT authorities had also tried to take possession with the help of police, but the efforts failed again.

"Our land and legal department will continue its drive to get back the possession of land from unauthorised occupants," the official added.