Asansol: Three govt officials were served show-cause notices on Saturday over alleged administrative irregularities in the controversial eviction drive at Asansol market, as urban development and municipal affairs minister Agnimitra Paul moved to defuse unrest.The Asansol Municipal Corporation, assisted by the police, removed several shops from the market on Friday. Shopkeepers alleged they were not given enough time to remove their goods before the structures were demolished. Protests took place at three locations across Asansol on Saturday, with traders claiming the eviction, ahead of Durga Puja and Chhath Puja, destroyed their livelihoods.After meeting hawkers at the Asansol Municipal Corporation office, Paul said the three officials had acted contrary to decisions taken by the administration. According to her, it had been decided that illegal roadside shops would be served notices, while long-standing hawkers operating inside the market would not be evicted before the festive season.Paul said an inquiry into the issue had been completed on July 9, but the eviction drive was carried out the following day without the agreed procedure. The officials have been asked to explain why the demolition was undertaken before the approved process began. She warned that unsatisfactory replies could lead to strict disciplinary action, including suspension.
