Mangaluru: Minutes after inaugurating bus stand that was constructed in memory of Ashraf Kalai, on Sunday at Kalai, the name board was removed by the Tahshildar. It may be recalled that miscreants had murdered Ashraf Kalai, an SDPI leader on June 21 at Kalai. The bus shelter was inaugurated in his memory on 40th day after his death.

As per sources, permission was not obtained from the Gram Panchayat to construct the bus shelter and hence Bantwal Tahshildar Purandar Hegde along with Dakshina Kannada police removed the name board of bus shelter that was built by Ashraf’s brothers.

The local leaders who gathered at the spot said that they had orally informed to GP about the same. But, the Tahshildar refused to agree with their argument and said that the permission needs to be in writing.

“I have come here as per direction of the DC. The bus shelter will be demolished now and the ones wanting to construct it may go ahead after getting permission in writing from the local GP, ” the Tahshildar said.

Surprisingly, leaders and locals from various communities came together demanding that the bus stand named after Ashraf be left as it is, as it was built as mark of respect for Ashraf’s social service. The locals also tries impress upon the officials that there was a need for a bus stop at the said location. But all the arguments met failure.

Bantwal sub-divison ASP Dr Arun K, Bantwal Town police Umesh and others were present.