Lawyer Rat Miner Hasan saved 41 lives from Uttarkashi's Silkyara Tunnel, but the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) demolished his home on Wednesday (February 28). DDA has presented its clarification after uproar over the allegations by Rat Miner. The authority stated that, in 2016, three parcels of land from Khajoori Khas village on plot number 247/1 were cleared of encroachments. Subsequently, in 2017, DDA inspection found Lawyer Hasan and one Goyal re-encroaching two out of the three lands. A serious violation was reported to the police, prompting DDA to initiate the scheduled anti-encroachment drive in June 2018.
The team faced numerous challenges upon arrival for encroachment removal, met by resistance from the identified encroachers' families. DDA clarified that inquiries were sent to officers responsible for allowing encroachments.
Rat Miner was informed about the entire process: DDA
DDA stated that plans to remove encroachments were again formulated in September and December 2022. The family's women thwarted the efforts, attempting self-harm and threatening self-immolation. DDA acknowledged that Lawyer Hasan and his family were aware of the demolition of the illegal property. During the 2022 encroachment removal efforts, it was discovered that Goyal, one of two encroachers, had secured a legal stay against demolition for their part. The demolished site falls under the illegal constructions of Shriram Colony, Rajeev Nagar, which is notified under the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Recognition of Property Rights of Residents in Unauthorised Colonies) Regulations, 2019.
'Lawyer Hasan was asked to vacate the illegal construction'
On February 28, 2024, DDA launched a campaign to eliminate encroachments, seeking assistance from local police. DDA's team, accompanied by police, reached the site and informed Rat Miner's family, requesting them to vacate the encroached area. Lawyer Hasan was given ample time to remove personal belongings before the illegal construction was demolished.
'Rat Miner's contribution was unknown.'
DDA stated that officials were unaware of Lawyer Hasan's recent contribution to the Silkyara Tunnel rescue operation. It was only by evening that DDA officials learned this and contacted Hasan after arranging alternative shelter for his family. Hasan declined any proposed assistance, insisting on a permanent home near the same location. DDA senior officials intervened and visited the site late at night, but no resolution was found. DDA stated that Hasan was aware that this encroachment was first removed in 2016 and was re-encroached in 2017.
'The campaign didn't target anyone specifically'
DDA emphasized that it was a regular anti-encroachment campaign, not targeting any specific individual. After learning about Hasan's role in saving the tunnel workers, DDA extended help to his family. DDA stressed that Hasan's encroachment was illegal and affirmed its commitment to maintaining the law and preventing further illegal constructions per court orders. However, DDA also expressed sympathy towards Hasan's contributions by committing to assist his family.
