Noted santoor exponent Bhajan Sopori today accused New Delhi Municipal Council of damaging a garage and arbitrarily removing a bamboo fencing around his residence in Lodhi Colony area of central Delhi at the behest of a neighbour.
The Padma Shri and Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee said NDMC removed the fencing which was erected by the Central Public Works Department in 2004 without informing him and verifying details.
"They damaged the fencing and my garage in my absence. The fencing was erected by the CPWD. It was an arbitrary action. I am feeling insulted," he said.
The 66-year-old instrumentalist said he had complained to police about the incident and they told him that no action can be taken as NDMC carried out the drive.
"If bamboo fencing is not allowed, then they should remove all such fencings in all other colonies," he said, alleging that the action was taken at the behest of a central government official.
NDMC justified the action saying prior notices were served.
"We have removed certain unauthorised temporary structures erected by people outside their houses. Prior to this, notices were served to Sopori and others in this regard. The action has been taken at the behest of CPWD," an NDMC official said.
Sopori, who hails from Kashmir, said government had allotted him the house 22 years ago.
