Maliwal issues notice to railways over demolition row

DCW chief Swati Maliwal today issued a notice to the railways and sought complete details about the demolition exercise of the slum cluster in West Delhi's Shakur Basti.
Taking suo-moto cognizance of the demolition, the Delhi Commission for Woman chairperson Maliwal who visited the demolished slum cluster and met the affected families issued the notice to the Northern Railway General Manager.
In the notice, Maliwal said that the residents of slum cluster were allegedly given no notices before the demolition exercise on December 12.
The family of the infant, who died during the exercise, informed the Commission that while trying to gather their belongings during the demolition, the little girl sustained fatal injuries. She was taken to the hospital and was declared brought dead, Maliwal said.

"Despite the slum dwellers informing the railways and police officials of the girl's injury and subsequent death, the officials were unmoved and carried on with the demolition, Maliwal said in the notice.
Further, she said "all women and children were rendered homeless which has created a major safety and security issue for them."
Through the notice, the DCW has asked the Northern Railway General Manager to provide copies of notices served to the residents as well as details and copies of intimation given to the Delhi Government, Central Government and their concerned agencies before conducting the demolition.
The notice has also asked for reasons for not rehabilitating the residents before demolition. The DCW chief has sought reply from the railways within 48 hours of its receipt.