Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Protection Agency (HYDRAA) carried out an anti-encroachment drive in Kulsumpura and Goshamahal on Friday, October 17, reclaiming 1.30 acres of valuable government land estimated to be worth ₹110 crore. Officials stated that the land had been illegally occupied by a man identified as Ashok Singh, who constructed sheds on the site and rented them to idol makers.

According to HYDRAA, Hyderabad district collector Harichandana had directed the agency to safeguard government land in Kulsumpura, emphasizing its potential use for public housing schemes. “These lands are meant for the welfare of citizens. The government is considering building double-bedroom houses for the poor in the area, where even a small plot is scarce,” HYDRAA said in a post on X. The agency confirmed that action was initiated following multiple complaints from local residents.

Reports indicate that Singh attempted to halt the demolition by approaching the City Civil Court, but the verdict favored the Telangana government. Despite the ruling, Singh continued to occupy the land and even attacked officials who arrived to carry out the demolition. HYDRAA added that the encroacher has a history of criminal activity, with at least eight cases filed against him in Langerhouz, Mangalhat, and Shahinayathgunj police stations.