'Looks unattractive'; Small roadside shop in front of textile shop in Haripad illegally demolished

ALAPPUZHA: The small roadside shop in front of a private textile shop was illegally demolished at Haripad in Alappuzha. The shop owned by Ashokan, was reportedly razed by people associated with Sreevalsam Silks, a textile shop in the town. The incident happened Sunday early morning. The police registered a case following protests by local residents and political activists.

The Sreevalsam Silks had recently acquired another textile shop adjacent to its existing showroom. Ashokan's shop was in front of that building. The owners decided to demolish it as they felt such a small roadside shop looked unattractive in front of their large showroom. The land on which the shop stood is owned by Ashokan. Protesters have demanded that a new shop be built in the same place for Ashokan.

The Sreevalsam Silks initially claimed that the action was based on high court order directing the demolition of the old building. However, the local residents said the court order made no mention of Ashokan's shop. Police later summoned the representatives of the Sreevalsam Group, Ashokan, and the protesters for talks at the police station. The Sreevalsam group had agreed to rebuild the shop in the talks held.