Hyderabad: Nandamuri Taraka Ratna's 'Downtown Drive-In' partially demolished
Hyderabad: Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation on Monday initiated a drive to demolish the “Downtown Drive-In”, in which actor Nandamuri Taraka Ratna has a stake, on Road No. 12 of Banjara Hills. The officials arrived at the restaurant after society members complained sa-ying commercial activity was going on in a residential area. Taraka Ratna rushed to the spot as the drive began.
According to Khaira-tabad GHMC zonal commissioner Mohammed Musharraf Ali Faruqui, the building is illegal, having come up in an unauthorised location.
This is the second time GHMC has tried to demolish the drive-in. “We tried to demolish the building on Monday but could only do it partially because of lot of resistance initially,” Mr Faruqui said. “There were cylinders and other equipment inside, which had to be removed. We waited for some time, till the people vacated the place. Then it was partially demolished.” GHMC took authority of the place, which has been running illegally for three years now.
“We were getting complaints and when we verified records, it became apparent that the building did not have permission,” Mr Faruqui said. “There is no question of running a business from on unauthorised location, one that doesn’t exist. We had to demolish it. We will try to complete the demolition soon.”
GHMC officials gave owners of the drive-in enough time. They were informed about an impending demolition in December. An attempt was first undertaken three weeks ago but that time a person doused kerosene on his body and threatened to immolate himself. Also, a few goons began intimidating and abusing GHMC staff. The officials had to return without doing anything.
“This was the second attempt,” Mr Faruqui said. “Notices have been given to parties concerned and they are well aware that this is not the first attempt. Last time, we went with three notices and this time we again gave three notices before setting off for the demolition. No procedures were violated.”
