Both sides trade claims over alleged illegal structure demolition

ISABELLA GURUNG

GANGTOK,: Amid the recent controversy surrounding an FIR registered at Sadar Police Station against Upper Burtuk MLA Kala Rai and others in connection with the alleged unlawful demolition of a temporary structure and acts of intimidation near the New STNM Hospital in Socheythang, both MLA Kala Rai and the complainant Sonam Pintso Bhutia have issued statements presenting their respective versions of the incident.

The FIR was registered following a court order issued by the Civil Judge, Gangtok, in connection with Crl. Misc. Case No. 9/2026 dated May 20, in the matter of Soman Pintso Bhutia vs State of Sikkim.

As per the complaint filed by Sonam Pintso, 57, a resident of Ranka, he had been operating a temporary shed beside his shop opposite the New STNM Hospital for the past 15 years under a valid trade licence issued in his wife’s name. The complainant alleged that despite an ongoing encroachment matter with no final demolition order, the temporary shed was demolished on April 8 by a group of individuals allegedly led by area MLA Kala Rai.

It has further been alleged that the accused, accompanied by supporters and local labourers, forcibly entered the premises, created chaos, used abusive and intimidating language, and destroyed the shed along with stored property, resulting in significant financial loss. The complainant also stated that the entire incident was captured on CCTV cameras installed at the hospital premises.

MLA Kala Rai, responding to the allegations, said the incident had occurred more than a month ago and that the FIR filed against her was politically motivated. She claimed that the complaint was linked to the BJP and alleged that the intention behind it was clear. She stated that the FIR should have been registered at Sadar Police Station and added that since the police did not initially take up the case, the complainant approached the court.

Speaking on the matter, Sonam Pintso clarified that the FIR was filed independently and not under any political influence. He stated that he did not file the FIR because of the BJP and that the decision was entirely his own. He alleged that the MLA brought a group of youths who carried out the demolition and did not grant him time despite his request.

On the delay in filing the FIR, Sonam Pintso alleged that the police initially refused to accept his complaint for ten to twelve days. He said he attempted to meet officials, including the SP and PIs, and was eventually advised to approach the court. He then moved the court, following which the FIR was registered.

Expressing confidence in the judicial process, Sonam Pintso said he has video evidence and other proof related to the incident and believes the court has given him justice. He added that the matter will now be decided in court.

MLA Kala Rai said that statements from both sides would be recorded and that she would also present her version. She said she was not worried about the case and emphasized that her work was for the larger benefit of Sikkim and not for any individual.

She further stated that the issue arose from what she described as illegal construction on hospital property, alleging that the complainant had built a structure blocking a jhora. She added that she has asked the concerned authorities to submit a written report on the matter.

Addressing allegations regarding construction legality, Sonam Pintso claimed that he was being selectively targeted. He pointed out that illegal constructions exist across Sikkim, including on road reserves and in forest and river reserve areas, yet action was allegedly focused only on him. He questioned why only his house was being targeted and stated that he would support action if it was taken uniformly against all illegal structures.

Reiterating her position, Kala Rai said that the matter would ultimately be decided by the court and dismissed the allegations against her as baseless. She also stated that criticism is common for those working in public life and that the FIR would not deter her from continuing her work for the people. She said even if thousands of FIRs were filed against her, she would continue to work in the interest of the public.

The area MLA further alleged that as a member of the ruling party in Sikkim, opposition forces were attempting to suppress her. She claimed that she has raised her voice even against members within her own party when she found wrongdoing, adding that such challenges are part of public life.

The case is currently under investigation.