Today’s development on Batla House demolition. Tension gripped Batla House on Sunday after an audio message from Okhla MLA Amanatullah Khan surfaced online on Batla House demolition and began circulating widely. In the message, Amanatullah warns residents of Muradi Road in Batla House about an imminent demolition drive reportedly planned by the DDA.
The original message, recorded in Hindi/Urdu, has been roughly translated into English as follows:
Have information that DDA to carry out demolition in Batla House possibly this Monday: Amanatullah
“I have received information that the DDA is determined to carry out the demolition in Muradi Road, Batla House, possibly this Monday or the following one — regardless of the circumstances,” Khan said on Batla House demolition.
The audio message appears to have been released by him on Saturday, following a meeting with top Delhi officials, a video of which also surfaced online.
Addressing the aggrieved residents in Batla House demolition, Amanatullah Khan said while approximately 21 properties have secured some form of relief, notices had earlier been issued to 52 structures. “They are not even willing to give residents a chance to respond,” he said.
Give us two more days in Batla House demolition case: Okhla MLA
Amanatullah said the Delhi High Court had shown willingness to hear the matter. “If we are granted two or three more days, we might be able to secure a stay order, InshaAllah,” he said.
He also expressed concern that the limited legal window is closing fast. “The three working days granted in response to my PIL are nearly over. Court holidays have killed this time. In such a situation, residents must stay alert,” he urged.
Amanatullah concluded by calling for calm and collective action. “We will do everything possible — legally and otherwise — to ensure people remain safe in their homes. Keep hope, and pray,” he said.
Viral audio is expected to heighten tensions of residents
The viral audio is expected to heighten tensions among the already distressed residents, who have been under immense stress since eviction notices were pasted on their homes. While the interim relief granted to a few had sparked some hope, uncertainty still prevails.
On Friday, 11 residents who had approached the Delhi High Court were granted interim relief. Of these, two residents have buildings that are partially located within the area marked for demolition. This was confirmed by petitioner counsel Advocate Fahad Khan.
The OT has learned that more residents are preparing to approach the court on Monday, with a significant number expected to be from Khasra number 279, according to a source familiar with the development.
“Let’s pray that everything goes well”
Local activist Mohammad Sagheer said: “Let’s pray that everything goes well in Batla House demolition case. Only those who build homes understand how difficult it is — years of hard work and resources go into owning a house, but it can be turned to rubble in minutes.”
The DDA, acting on a Supreme Court order, had given residents 15 days to vacate what it claims is encroached land. However, many residents insist that they possess valid documents to prove their ownership and that they are not occupying encroached land. Some residents have also questioned the method used to demarcate Khasra boundaries, demanding that the process be redone to ensure greater transparency.
