Illegal cafe of ex-Trinamool MLA's son razed on Matla riverbank in South 24 Parganas
Synopsis
A bulldozer erased 'Aranyer Kule' from the Matla riverbank — a cafe allegedly built on political muscle by the son of an ex-TMC MLA now in NIA custody over a bomb blast case. The demolition, after Imran Molla failed to produce land documents or comply with a notice, signals that the district administration is moving swiftly against the family now that its political cover has gone.
Key Takeaways
South 24 Parganas administration demolished cafe 'Aranyer Kule' on the Matla River banks on 3 July 2025 .
The cafe was built illegally by Imran Molla , son of former TMC MLA Saokat Molla of Canning Purba .
Imran failed to produce legal land documents by the 18 June 2025 deadline and ignored a 22 June demolition notice.
Saokat Molla has been arrested by the NIA in the Bhangar bomb blast case ; Imran was earlier questioned by investigators.
The demolition drive proceeded peacefully under heavy police and administrative presence near Sundarbans .
The South 24 Parganas district administration on 3 July 2025 used a bulldozer to demolish 'Aranyer Kule', a cafe illegally constructed on the banks of the Matla River in the Moukhali area by Imran Molla, son of former All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Saokat Molla. The demolition, carried out under heavy police presence near the Sundarbans, follows Imran's failure to comply with a notice issued on 22 June 2025 ordering him to pull down the structure within seven days.
How the Demolition Unfolded
District administration officials confirmed the eviction drive proceeded peacefully, with a large contingent of police and administrative personnel deployed at the site under Jibantala police station limits. Authorities stated that all action was being conducted in accordance with the law.
The Canning Sub-divisional Office had previously ordered Imran to demolish the cafeteria on his own initiative within seven days or face an administration-led eviction — with demolition costs to be borne by the owner. Imran did not act on the notice, prompting Thursday's drive.
The Legal Documents That Were Never Produced
The administration had directed Imran Molla to submit all legal documents pertaining to the land by 18 June 2025. His lawyer was present at the hearing, but according to officials, the required documents could not be produced. The demolition order followed directly from that development.
Authorities have characterised the action as part of a broader investigation into alleged encroachment along the riverbank, with administrative steps proceeding in a phased, lawful manner.
Background: Father's Arrest and Political Fall
The cafe's fate is closely tied to the political reversal of the Molla family. Saokat Molla, who had represented the Canning Purba constituency as a TMC MLA, was reportedly an influential figure in South 24 Parganas at the time the cafe was built. Locals alleged that Imran constructed the structure leveraging his father's political clout.
After Saokat lost the recently concluded Assembly elections, a series of legal cases were filed against him. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) subsequently arrested Saokat in connection with the Bhangar bomb blast case. Prior to the arrest, investigators had also summoned Imran for questioning — around which time the administration first placed a notice at the cafe's gate seeking information about its legal status.
What Happens Next
The administration has indicated that the investigation into alleged encroachment is ongoing. With the cafe now demolished, authorities are expected to reclaim the riverbank land. The case is being watched closely as an instance of post-election accountability action against a political family that critics say wielded disproportionate local influence.
Point of View
Accountability demands more than a bulldozer — it demands an explanation for the years of inaction.
NationPress
2 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Aranyer Kule' and why was it demolished?
'Aranyer Kule' is a cafe built by Imran Molla on the banks of the Matla River in Moukhali, South 24 Parganas, without valid land documents, making it an illegal structure on the riverbank. The South 24 Parganas administration demolished it on 3 July 2025 after Imran failed to comply with a notice issued on 22 June 2025 and could not produce legal ownership documents.
Who is Saokat Molla and what is he accused of?
Saokat Molla is a former TMC MLA from the Canning Purba constituency in South 24 Parganas, West Bengal. He has been arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with the Bhangar bomb blast case.
What legal steps did the administration take before the demolition?
The administration first asked Imran Molla to submit land documents by 18 June 2025; he could not produce them. A formal demolition notice was then issued on 22 June 2025, giving him seven days to act. When he did not comply, the Canning Sub-divisional Office ordered an administration-led eviction with costs to be borne by the owner.
Was Imran Molla also questioned by investigators?
Yes, investigators summoned Imran Molla for questioning in connection with the cases against his father Saokat Molla. It was around this period that the administration first posted a notice at the cafe's gate seeking information about its legal status.
What happens to the Matla riverbank land now?
With the cafe demolished, the administration is expected to reclaim the encroached riverbank land. Authorities have stated that the investigation into the alleged encroachment is ongoing and that all steps are being taken in accordance with the law.
