HYDRAA continues to demolish illegal structures for 2nd day in Ameenpur

Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) continued demolitions for a second day on Sunday at Ilapuram, Ameenpur mandal in Sangareddy district.

According to HYDRAA, a six-storey illegally constructed building has been largely demolished, with nearly 80 per cent of the structure already cleared. It is allegedly linked to Azeem, brother of Supreme Court lawyer MA Mukheem. The officials on Sunday said the remaining portion will be removed shortly.

The demotion drive started on Saturday under tight police security with support from Revenue and Municipal officials, focused on clearing unauthorised structures while safeguarding vast stretches of high-value public land. Officials confirmed that these constructions violated High Court orders issued in 1998 and 2013, which clearly stated that no construction should be carried out on the government land.

An official at HYDRAA said that the properties were built on government land in violation of a 1998 court order asking to maintain the status quo. Approximately 1,263 acre of land in survey numbers 1 to 220 of Ilapuram village belong to the government. Out of this, 861 acre, worth Rs 15,000 crore, was freed from encroachment on Saturday and the demolition continued for the second day, stated HYDRAA officials.

Furthermore, Mukheem had constructed a farmhouse in 2006 in violation of High Court orders to maintain status quo. Over the past year, the structure was allegedly expanded to nearly 40 acres.

The operation is being carried out with caution to prevent any damage to nearby residential apartments, leading to a slower pace of demolition. The government took serious note of illegal land dealings carried out by MA Mukheem and associates, who allegedly sold plots despite pending court cases.

HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath said that the Mukheem is reportedly facing 19 criminal cases, including charges of double murder and attempt to murder. He was earlier listed as a rowdy-sheeter at Malkajgiri Police Station, though the rowdy sheet was later removed following court directions.

Despite this, he is alleged to have established a strong land mafia network through intimidation and unlawful activities.