The owner of a shop at KR Market that the BBMP proposes to demolish attempted to end his life by pouring kerosene over himself in protest against the move, but before he could light a match, was prevented by supporters of the local MLA who were staging a demonstration against the demolition.
Hundreds of supporters of Chamarajpet MLA Zameer Ahmed Khan had gathered at the KR Market on Friday morning to pre-empt the BBMP’s plan to raze the old building which contains shops.
While MLA Khan and his supporters were arguing with the BBMP authorities against razing the shops without giving the shopowners alternative accommodation, Ayub Khan, general secretary of an outfit called All Traders’ Welfare Association, decided to attempt suicide.
“As the BBMP officers were cold our pleas, I grabbed a kerosene can and doused myself with around 100 litres of kerosene in a bid to commit suicide,’’ said Ayub Khan. “On Thursday night, I came to know that some people would be attempting to commit suicide protesting the BBMP’s plan to demolish the building. I thought it would be apt if I take my life first. But people and police prevented me setting ablaze myself,’’ Khan said.
In a lofty tone, Khan said: “I have done everything for my family. They are safe and secure. Now, I want to sacrifice my life for the welfare of vendors at the KR Market.”
Khan’s followers told this reporters that their leader would be prepared to any extreme step to protect the shopowners’ interests.
For some reason, police have not registered a case against Khan for attempting suicide.
Tension at KR Market
Tension prevailed for some time in the area, as BBMP officers arrived to carry out demolition. The demolition move was the second attempt by the BBMP to clear the area. Recently, the Palike removed the fence on the west side of KR Market, causing tension among the footpath vendors.
Zameer Ahmed Khan and his followers, obviously tipped off about the BBMP intentions, arrived at the market at 7 am to prevent the demolition.
“Recently, the BBMP Mayor explained me about the BBMP’s plan to demolish an old building that houses some shops. I advised the BBMP Mayor not to demolish the building without making alternative arrangements for the benefit of shop-keepers. The mayor assured me to make alternative arrangements,’’ Khan said.
Later, Mayor BS Satyanarayana and BBMP Commissioner M Lakshminarayana discussed the issue with Zameer Ahmed Khan. They also convened a meeting with the shop-owners who have to vacate the shops.
According to sources, the BBMP commissioner and shop-owners met last week, when the commissioner promised the shop-owners to provide a BBMP vehicle and three people each to carry the goods from the respective shops. “We have been requesting the BBMP authorities to find an alternative place to continue our business,’’ said BS Mahesh, one of the shop-keepers.
Mayor BS Satyanarayana said the BBMP has no intention of harming or depriving of shop-keepers’ livelihood. “We have chalked out a plan to facilitate all facilities such as parking, toilets, wide roads at the KR Market. We will accommodate all the shop-keepers who have to vacate the shops. The structure is dilapidated. The BBMP will get a bad name if the building collapses,’’ the Mayor said.
Diwakar GM, president, All Traders’ Welfare Association, said the shop-keepers were not against the BBMP developing the KR Market. “The shop-keepers are ready to vacate the building provided alternative shops for them,’’ Diwakar said.
Finally, the BBMP Commissioner agreed to meet the shop-owners on Monday and decide about the alternative arrangements.
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