Nasirnagar Demolition Row Explodes: Suspended SMC Engineer Alleges Surat Municipal Commissioner M Nagarajan Ordered Action

SURAT: The controversial Nasirnagar demolition case has taken a dramatic legal turn, threatening to shake the highest ranks of the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC). In a sensational petition before the Gujarat High Court, suspended Executive Engineer Sujal Prajapati has alleged that he carried out the demolition operation only after receiving direct instructions from Municipal Commissioner M. Nagarajan, challenging the official narrative that led to his suspension.

The development comes weeks after the Gujarat High Court made sharp observations over the demolition drive, which displaced scores of families and sparked widespread criticism over the role of civic authorities.

Prajapati has filed Special Civil Application (SCA) No. 20772/2026, seeking the quashing of his suspension order and reinstatement to his post. In his petition, he claims he has been unfairly singled out and made a “scapegoat” while senior officials escaped accountability.

The most striking piece of evidence placed before the High Court is a screenshot of an alleged WhatsApp conversation dated May 21, 2026. According to the petition, the Municipal Commissioner messaged Prajapati directing him to remove encroachments on the approved 40-foot TP road near Chandrashekhar Bridge in Ward No. 7. Prajapati’s reply simply read, “Yes Sir.”

“I was present at the demolition site only because of the direct instructions issued by the Municipal Commissioner. I neither acted independently nor had any personal interest in the operation,” Prajapati has stated in his petition.

He has further alleged that the suspension proceedings violated the principles of natural justice and were initiated with a predetermined intention of fixing responsibility on selected officers.

According to the petition, despite informing the internal inquiry committee that he was merely executing orders from senior authorities, his explanation was ignored before the suspension order was issued.

Prajapati has also claimed that during an earlier hearing, the Municipal Commissioner informed the High Court that no official directions had been issued for the demolition. However, the suspended engineer argues that the WhatsApp exchanges and other communication records contradict that stand.

The petition further states that although the demolition was administratively handled by the Central Zone, Prajapati had no independent decision-making authority. It also notes that officers from his own department were absent during the operation, while demolition equipment and manpower had been mobilised under directions from senior officials.

“The suspension was arbitrary, biased and intended to shield higher authorities while making subordinate officers bear the consequences,” the petition contends.

With documentary evidence now placed before the Gujarat High Court, the Nasirnagar demolition controversy has entered a new phase. The case is expected to raise serious questions about administrative accountability, decision-making within the Surat Municipal Corporation and whether responsibility for the contentious demolition was selectively assigned.