The AMC had bulldozed 68 households of Gulberg Society in Chamanpura on January 16. Another 10 households from Ramdev Prakash Society were also removed.

CPI Ahmedabad president Jethalal Ganbhukar said: “We have called for a demonstration in the same place where the poor people lived. We protested against the demolition on February 7 in front of the AMC north zone office. We had presented a list of demands to Deputy Commissioner Dilip Mahajan. But the AMC didn't even bother to reply to it.”

According to Ganbhukar, the people were not given prior notices and AMC officials had suddenly arrived at the spot for carrying out the demolition. AMC officials had reportedly instructed the dwellers to move out, as they were to be given an alternative place soon.

The slums were evacuated to build roads, but CPI members said, “When we asked for the reason behind the demolition, we were told that the AMC has to work on a town planning scheme in this area.”

Ganbhukar said the estate officers had dismissed their demands saying the town-planning scheme was planned in advance and that the AMC had to remove the slums.

The Gujarat High Court has pronounced a verdict on a petition filed by the Jan Sangarsh Manch against any demolitions without temporary rehabilitation.

Referring to the decision, Ganbhukar said: “The AMC has not followed the HC orders. The people affected by the project

are supposed to get an alternative rehabilitation.”

He added: “I want all the estate officers, who have remained negligent to our demands, be arrested. After the demolition, the people are staying on the roads. They are liable for an alternative rehabilitation.”