Shakur Basti demolition: Prior notice was given, says Railways

The Indian Railways, which has drawn major flak for demolishing slums in an anti-encroachment drive in Shakur Basti here, said on Sunday that the notice to vacate the shanties was given a long while ago.

"We had given notice in March, September to vacate but they didn't. We had no police support then," said Delhi divisional railway manager (DRM) Arun Arora. "We have a joint report including police, RPF and our engineering officer's signatures. We have informed this to Delhi Chief Minister today," he added.

More than 500 slums were demolished in an anti-encroachment drive conducted by the Indian Railways in Shakur Basti on Saturday. Slum residents created an uproar after a child was found dead. They alleged that then child had died in the anti-encroachment drive.

Railway sources, however, have denied the allegations, saying that the death of the child occurred in one of the slums around 10 am and had nothing to do with the removal of encroachments. The residents also insisted that their homes were demolished without any prior warning or notice.

According to the Railways, a number of notices were issued to encroachers to vacate its land during the last nine months, but the locals did not vacate.