Vadodara: A fresh controversy has erupted in the Old Padra area, which is considered one of the posh areas of Vadodara, over the alleged violation of the Disturbed Areas Act (Ashantdhara) and the sale of houses in a residential society. Residents of several societies, including Springwood Residency, Anandvan, and Muktinagar Society on OP Road, gathered in large numbers at the Collector’s office on Monday and alleged that society norms and legal provisions are being ignored while allowing the sale of houses to members of another community.

Residents, along with members of some Hindu organisations, claimed that such transactions are creating insecurity among locals and could disturb the existing social balance in the area.

A woman resident of the society expressed concern and said,
“Two houses in our society are currently locked, but people from outside families are frequently visiting them. We are also indirectly being told that we should sell our houses, as people from another community are coming to the area, and we may get a good price if we sell now.”

Another resident, who said he was associated with a Hindu organisation, questioned the administration’s action and said,
“We have submitted several representations regarding the alleged irregularities, but no action is taken. We may have submitted applications 10 to 15 times. Such incidents keep happening repeatedly in Hindu-populated areas. The government should take strict action if any conspiracy is involved.”

An elderly resident of Muktinagar Society alleged that higher prices are being offered to persuade homeowners to sell their properties.
“Buyers are offering more than the market price, sometimes almost double. When someone is offered a much higher amount, it becomes difficult to refuse. But we have objections to such transactions if they violate the law.”

Questions raised over administration’s role

Residents alleged that despite the Disturbed Areas Act being in force in the locality, permissions for property transfers are still being granted. They questioned how the required No-Objection Certificates (NOC) are being issued by the registrar’s office and the police.

Officials at the Collector’s office assured residents that the representations would be examined and a proper inquiry would be conducted.

It may be noted that a similar dispute over the sale of a house in the same area had surfaced last year, when the transaction was stalled after protests by residents. The issue of alleged Ashantdhara violations in parts of Vadodara has surfaced repeatedly in recent years and continues to draw social and political attention. DeshGujarat