Meanwhile, both the BJP and Congress came out in support of Ranujamanagar and Aasapuranagar residents, who thronged the Collector's office on Monday morning. As residents began chanting Ram Dhun amid heavy security outside, Collector H S Patel announced to put the drive on hold.

BJP legislator Govind Patel said the disputed land located on Kotharia Road, where over 400 units have come up, had been transferred to the RMC long ago. The Congress registered a protest saying that the demolition drive will render over 10,000 people homeless.

Patel said that any further decision on demolition will be taken up only after discussion with RMC authorities. The Collectorate, meanwhile, wants to know for certain as to who owns the land. In case RMC is the owner, the Collectorate will have to withdraw the demolition notice.

The Collectorate had issued the notice to make clear encroachments on the outskirts. According to the officials, some housing units have also come up on the roads, thereby obstructing traffic and development. The notice had asked residents to either go for voluntary demolition, failing which the Collectorate would do so after 15 days.