Land mafia’s attempt of demolishing a part of Haveli Sardar Mahan Singh, renowned for the birth place of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, was thwarted by local traders and the City District Government. Reportedly, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, a ruler of Punjab during the early 19th century, was born at the Haveli in 1780. Sikhs from all over the world visit this building for religious obligations. A major part of the Haveli is already under illegal tenancy of fruit sellers despite a Supreme Court verdict.
The City District Government has failed in getting the place vacated and restoring it in its original shape. Some officials of the Auqaf Department and a local land mafia jointly tried to convert the building’s corridor into three shops. However, during this secret attempt, the roof of the old building caved in. Locals called police and intimated the local media. As police arrived at the scene, the officials of the department fled and the building was sealed. The Gujranwala Commissioner took serious notice of the issue and ordered an inquiry into the matter.
