At a time when several eligible service holders are reportedly being deprived of government quarters in Bhubaneswar, reports of illegal possession of the accommodations by makeshift vendors and its renting out have raised serious questions.
A government quarters (VA 13/1) located at Raj Mahal Square in the State capital is reportedly occupied by a cane furniture manufacturer from neighbouring West Bengal for over the years.
While the main gate of the quarters remains locked, the cane trader carries out his business for over the years without fearing any action.
“About 20-30 quarters are unoccupied. When several people started encroaching upon them, I also started living in one. We are not only living in the quarters but also ensuring it is maintained properly,” said Nandalal Das, an encroacher.
“After we started living here, the illegal intrusion of miscreants, trade of narcotics in the area have been minimised,” said Gopal, son of Nandalal.
Not only this quarters, there are many more which were under the possession of many non-Odia makeshift traders.
While some of the quarters are encroached upon by the fast food stall owners, some are acquired by garage mechanics.
It is worthwhile to mention here that the Special Task Force (STF) on Sunday seized 1 Kg 107 grams of brown sugar worth over Rs 1 crore from a government quarters (1R/2) located in Unit-8 area in Bhubaneswar.
One Chitaranjan Sahu was staying in the government quarters and used to run a garage in the area.
Similarly, on May 11, a fire broke out following a firecrackers explosion in a government quarters located in Unit 2 area in Bhubaneswar.
The fire broke out at Type-2 quarters number 13/2 after the firecrackers stored in a room exploded.
Commenting on the development Bhubaneswar DCP Prateek Singh said, “We will take necessary action after getting information about the encroachment from the concerned agency.”