Mumbai: Dr Ambedkar's office demolished, grandson mulls legal option

The iconic office of Dr Ambedkar in Dadar, Mumbai is in the midst of an ugly possession fight between People's Improvement Trust and Prakash Ambedkar. 

According to The Indian Express, BR Ambedkar's grandson Prakash is unhappy that the structure has been demolished against his consent. It was demolished on Saturday, and Prakash Ambedkar has decided to file an FIR against members of the People's Improvement Trust. He was quoted by Indian Express as saying,  “It is very unfortunate as the government and a section within the Trust have hurt our sentiments. They are trying to commercialise  the place in the name of building a grand Ambedkar Bhawan” 

However the trust has flatly denied the allegation saying that the house is being redeveloped as a 17-storeyed building and their work will continue. It will also have an office space for Prakash Ambedkar. According to the trust, the decision to redevelop the building was taken after a BMC notice that the building was unsafe. They claim to have government's sanction in the entire redevelopment process. 

Prakash Ambedkar though claims that he has inherited the house from BR Ambedkar, and is willing to launch a legal challenge. He is against the 'commercialisation' of the office, saying that the building which has stood the test of the time since 1930 and was in forefront of the Dalit movement launched by 'Father of the Constitution' should remain as it is. 

BMC, meanwhile have distanced itself from the entire controversy saying they were not aware of the demolition and haven't employed any officials for it.