Sundarbans cafe demolition notice issued to TMC leader Saokat Molla's son
Synopsis
A cafe built on a Matla river island near the Sundarbans — allegedly after destroying mangroves — now faces a seven-day demolition deadline. Its owner, Imran Molla, is the son of NIA-arrested TMC leader Saokat Molla, who lost his Canning Purba seat in the latest Assembly polls. The case exposes how political cover can enable ecological encroachment — and how quickly that cover can dissolve.
Key Takeaways
The Canning Sub-Division administration has issued a seven-day demolition notice to Imran Molla for the cafe 'Aranyer Kule' built on a Matla river island near the Sundarbans .
Imran is accused of illegally occupying the island and destroying mangroves to construct the cafeteria.
His father, Saokat Molla , former TMC MLA from Canning Purba , has been arrested by the NIA in the Bhangar bomb blast case .
Imran's legal team failed to produce valid land ownership documents at a hearing on 18 June .
If the structure is not self-demolished within the deadline, the administration will raze it and recover costs from the owner.
The Canning Sub-Division administration in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district has issued a formal demolition notice to Imran Molla, son of arrested All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Saokat Molla, ordering him to pull down a cafe allegedly built illegally on a river island in the Matla river near the Sundarbans. The notice, confirmed by a state government official on Tuesday, 23 June, gives Imran seven days to comply or face a state-led eviction drive at his own expense.
What the Notice Says
The Canning Sub-Divisional Officer has directed Imran Molla to demolish the cafe — named 'Aranyer Kule' — on his own initiative within seven days. If the structure is not brought down within the stipulated period, the administration will deploy a bulldozer and recover the demolition cost from the cafe's owner. The administration had earlier set a deadline of 18 June for Imran to furnish legal documents establishing ownership of the land. According to officials, his legal representative appeared at the hearing but was unable to produce any valid land title papers.
Allegations of Mangrove Destruction and Land Encroachment
Imran Molla is accused of occupying a river island on the Matla river bank in Moukhali, South 24 Parganas, and constructing the cafeteria after allegedly destroying mangroves indiscriminately. Locals have alleged that Imran was able to carry out these activities owing to the political influence wielded by his father, Saokat Molla, who was then a sitting TMC MLA from the Canning Purba Assembly constituency and an influential figure in South 24 Parganas. The family reportedly occupied a sizeable stretch of the island before erecting the structure.
Saokat Molla's Arrest and Legal Troubles
The scrutiny around 'Aranyer Kule' intensified after Saokat Molla lost his seat in the recently concluded West Bengal Assembly elections, following which multiple cases were filed against him. He has since been arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with the Bhangar bomb blast case. Prior to his arrest, investigators had taken his son Imran Molla in for questioning. It was during that period that the administration first placed a notice at the cafe's entrance seeking details about the establishment — a precursor to the present demolition order.
Environmental and Legal Significance
The Sundarbans region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's largest mangrove ecosystems, making any encroachment or destruction of its ecology particularly sensitive from both legal and environmental standpoints. Unauthorised construction on river islands in this zone can attract action under multiple environmental protection statutes. This case is being watched closely as it tests whether the administration will follow through on enforcement after years of alleged inaction during Saokat Molla's political prime.
What Happens Next
The seven-day window issued by the Canning Sub-Division administration is now in effect. Should Imran Molla fail to demolish the structure, the district administration is expected to conduct an eviction drive and bill the costs to him. The NIA's ongoing investigation into the Bhangar bomb blast case continues to cast a shadow over the Molla family's affairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has the administration issued a demolition notice for the Sundarbans cafe?
The Canning Sub-Division administration issued the notice because the cafe 'Aranyer Kule' was allegedly built illegally on a Matla river island in South 24 Parganas after destroying mangroves, and its owner Imran Molla could not produce valid land ownership documents when asked. The administration has given him seven days to demolish the structure himself or face a state-led eviction drive.
Who is Saokat Molla and why was he arrested?
Saokat Molla is a former TMC MLA from the Canning Purba Assembly constituency in South 24 Parganas, West Bengal. He was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with the Bhangar bomb blast case after losing his seat in the recent state Assembly elections.
What is 'Aranyer Kule' and where is it located?
'Aranyer Kule' is a cafe built on a river island on the Matla river bank in Moukhali, South 24 Parganas, near the Sundarbans. It is owned by Imran Molla, son of arrested TMC leader Saokat Molla, and is at the centre of allegations of illegal land occupation and mangrove destruction.
What happens if Imran Molla does not demolish the cafe within seven days?
If the cafe is not demolished within the seven-day deadline, the Canning Sub-Division administration will conduct an eviction drive using a bulldozer and recover the demolition costs from Imran Molla, the cafe's owner.
Why is this case significant for the Sundarbans region?
The Sundarbans is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's largest mangrove ecosystems. Illegal construction on river islands in this zone can violate multiple environmental protection laws, making this case a test of ecological enforcement in a politically sensitive area.
