Kolkata: The South 24 Parganas district administration has ordered the demolition of the controversial riverside cafe Aranyer Koole at Moukhali within seven days, warning that bulldozers will be deployed if the owner fails to comply and the demolition cost recovered from him.The order was issued to Imran Molla, owner of the cafe and son of former Canning Purba MLA and TMC neta Saokat Molla. Officials alleged that the cafe was constructed after illegally reclaiming nearly seven acres of char land along the Matla River.Residents and green groups have accused the owners of encroaching on river land and destroying mangrove cover to develop the property. Locals also alleged that the project flourished under Saokat Molla’s political influence during his tenure as MLA.According to officials, Imran Molla was directed to submit land- and building-related documents by June 18. Although his lawyer appeared before the authorities, no valid documents were produced. The SDO then issued the demolition order and warned of forced action.
