05-05-2023 : The Directorate of Urban Local Bodies in Jammu and Kashmir has initiated an inquiry into the demolition of an alleged shopping complex in Kathua district. As a result, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Kathua, Santosh Kotwal, has been attached to the Directorate pending the investigation.
The decision to conduct the inquiry was made in response to reports and social media posts regarding the demolition of a building in ward number 6 of Kathua. It is aimed at determining the facts surrounding the case and the procedures followed by the Municipal Committee of Kathua.
A committee has been formed, headed by a senior law officer named Waseem Shoket Butt, with Amit Sharma, the Executive Officer of MC Reasi, as a member. The committee has been given ten days to gather all relevant documents and submit a report to the Directorate regarding the demolition case.
While the inquiry is ongoing, the CEO of Kathua, Santosh Kotwal, has been attached to the office of the Directorate of Urban Local Bodies in Jammu. In the interim, the Executive Officer of MC Ramgarh, Jodh Raj, will assume additional charge of the municipal council in Kathua.
The purpose of the inquiry is to ensure transparency and ascertain whether proper procedures were followed during the demolition of the shopping complex. The findings of the committee will shed light on the matter and determine any necessary actions or further steps to be taken.