In the heart of New Delhi, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) orchestrated the dismantling of an opulent estate valued at a staggering Rs 400 crore, belonging to the late Ponty Chadha, a prominent figure in the liquor industry. This sprawling mansion, erected “illicitly” on government-owned terrain in the affluent locality of Chhatarpur in south Delhi, became the epicenter of a strategic move to reclaim unlawfully occupied government property.
Occupying a vast expanse of a 10-acre parcel, this drastic measure forms part of the governmental campaign against encroachments. A substantial contingent of law enforcement personnel stood guard during the meticulous demolition proceedings to ensure order and security.
The construction deemed “unlawful” on DDA territory prompted the initiation of the operation on a Friday, successfully reclaiming approximately five acres on the inaugural day. The mission endured into the following Saturday, focused on liberating the remaining contested land.
Commencing the operation at 10 am on Saturday, the DDA contingent commenced the intricate process by meticulously measuring the land. The dismantling efforts persisted until 5 pm on that day.
As per the DDA task force, Ponty Chadha’s construction of the estate was deemed “illicit,” motivating relentless endeavors to obliterate the structure. The principal edifice of the grand estate bore the brunt of the demolition, signaling the culmination of an era.
Recalling events from January, an anti-encroachment campaign aimed to eliminate unauthorized structures spanning four acres of land in northeast Delhi. Additionally, the residence of Wakeel Hassan, a key participant in the Sikyara tunnel rescue operation of November 2023, faced the DDA wrecking ball in the Khazoori Khas area of northeast Delhi.