Surat: Surat MLA Arvind Rana has taken an aggressive stance over the alleged violation of the Disturbed Areas Act (Ashantdhara) in the Navapura area of the city. Raising serious concerns over alleged administrative collusion, the MLA claimed that members of the local Hindu community are feeling insecure and fear possible displacement.

Rana questioned the functioning of the district administration and the police regarding the transfer of 37 properties in the area, which he described as suspicious. Referring to the objective of the Disturbed Areas Act, he said the law was enacted to maintain social balance and ensure peaceful coexistence between communities, and that the responsibility for its proper implementation lies with the Collector and the police.

He said, “In these circumstances, if transparent administration is to be maintained, the government’s objective is that Hindu families should live in Hindu areas and Muslim families should live in Muslim areas so that they can reside peacefully with their families. The responsibility of achieving this objective has been entrusted to the Collector and the police.”

The MLA alleged that permissions for property transfers are being granted without taking the consent of local residents. To ensure transparency and prevent illegal transactions, he suggested that a mandatory notice board should be placed on any property proposed to be sold. According to him, the board should be installed at the buyer’s expense and must mention the names of the buyer and seller, details of permission granted under the Act, and the procedure and time limit for nearby residents to file objections.

Emphasising the need for local consensus, he said, “Such permission should not be granted without the consent of the people living nearby.”

Rana has also demanded the formation of a high-level committee to investigate the 37 property transfers. He called for strict action against officials found guilty of wrongdoing and said the issue has been raised before the Coordination Committee (Sankalan Samiti). DeshGujarat