A woman official was shot dead by a guest house owner during a demolition drive in Himachal Pradesh's Kasauli town on Tuesday. According to reports, the owner of a guest house opened fire at assistant town planner Shail Bala following an argument.
The owner named Vijay Thakur fled the spot immediately after firing at the official. The police have launched a search operation to nab him. The police have also announced a reward of Rs 1 lakh for those informing it about the whereabouts about the accused who owns Narayani Guest House.
The Supreme Court in its April 17 order had asked concerned authorities to demolition of illegal constructions at several hotels and resorts in the picturesque Himachal Pradesh town of Kasauli, saying the life of people cannot be endangered for making money.
The apex court observed that the illegal constructions had put the entire city in danger, causing landslides, and ordered the demolition of such constructions.
"You just demolish it (unauthorised constructions). What is going on? You are admitting that you were supposed to make only two-storeyed building. There was landslide in your premises and you did nothing. You are putting the life of people to danger. For what? Money," the bench observed while hearing the plea filed by one of the hotels.
Owners of several hotels, resorts and guest houses in Kasauli had approached the apex court challenging the National Green Tribunal (NGT) order to demolish or close down several such establishments which were extended illegally without approvals.
The NGT, in its order, had directed demolition of temporary structures of several hotels including Bird's View Resort, Hotel Pine View, Narayani Guest House, Hotel Neelgiri, Hotel Divshikha and AAA Guest House.
Watch video: Woman officer shot dead as Kasauli demolition drive takes violent turn
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