Vacant Government quarters and dilapidated buildings across Bhopal are increasingly raising safety concerns, with complaints of drug use, illegal liquor sales and gatherings of suspected anti-social elements. The issue has come under renewed scrutiny following the rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl in an abandoned building in Bairagarh, prompting questions over surveillance of deserted properties. Ganja Seized From Ruined Building Two days ago, Shahjahanabad police seized a large quantity of ganja allegedly concealed inside a dilapidated building. Police have also received information about illegal liquor sales from vacant quarters in Awadhpuri. Such complaints are not limited to abandoned BHEL housing or areas on the city’s outskirts, with suspicious activity also reported at properties in busy neighbourhoods. Complaints From Residential Areas Residents have reported gatherings of people allegedly consuming drugs in vacant quarters near Dussehra Maidan in TT Nagar.

 

A disused bank building opposite the police headquarters has also reportedly been used for drinking purposes at night. Similar complaints have emerged from Ashoka Garden, Shyamla Hills, Shahjahanabad, Bairagarh and Bagsewania. Police To Map Vacant Properties Police plan to identify vacant Government quarters and dilapidated buildings across the city and share details with the departments concerned for necessary action. Owners of private properties will be asked to repair or demolish unsafe structures, as required, to prevent them from becoming hideouts for criminal activity. Action Planned At Bairagarh Site The dilapidated building where the 12-year-old girl was allegedly raped and murdered in Sant Hirdaram Nagar is privately owned. Police Commissioner Sanjay Kumar said the owner would be contacted after the investigation is completed to discuss necessary action, including repairs or demolition. BHEL Asked To Act On Vacant Quarters Kumar said BHEL management had been asked to take steps towards demolishing vacant quarters. He added that other abandoned and dilapidated buildings would also be identified and the relevant departments informed so that timely action could be taken to prevent their misuse for criminal or illegal activities.