Devbrat Patnaik

Jajpur: While the district administration has already issued notice to demolish the infamous Guest House- ‘Rangasala’ in Baligari village under Dharmasala Tehsil of Jajpur district finding that it's an unauthorised construction over government land, latest reports suggest that the administration is in a state of dilemma following proposals to renovate the building into Public library, orphanage or old-age home instead of demolishing the structure.

‘Rangasala’, constructed by Rupesh Bhadra, is the same building from where the body of Smitarani Biswal, the lady village level worker (VLW) & in-charge panchayat executive officer (PEO) of Haridaspur, was recovered a month ago.

Seeking information and necessary clarification with regard to renovation proposals, Jajpur district Collector Ranjan Das in a letter to Principal Secretary, Revenue & Disaster management department, stated, "Approaches have been received from different forums for utilisation of the building (Rangasala) as Public library, orphanage or old-age home instead of demolishing the said building."

"Under the present scenario, it may be please be clarified whether it will be a rightful and legitimate step to demolish the building or allow the said unauthorised building to be used for any of the above mentioned public purposes," Das mentioned in his letter.

Meanwhile, Smitarani's father-in-law Sitakanta Biswal has raised objections demanding that Rangasala needs to be demolished. "I am not in favour of renovation, because again he (Rupesh Bhadra) will come out in bail and same things will happen under the patronage of powerful persons and ministers. The building should be completely demolished. If the building stays erect, crimes will continue."

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