Fearing ouster, Gaekwad Mill dalits approach Navsari collector

Surat: Representatives of around 350 dalit families living in Bilimora submitted a memorandum to the Navsari district collector on Wednesday alleging that there were attempts to oust them from the place where they have been living since the last 80 years.
They alleged that family members of a top politician have interest in the land.
In the memorandum, Saurashtrawasi Dalit Samaj claimed they were employed in the Gaekwad Mill since 1930 and were living at the location since then.The mill closed down in 1986 but the families were not paid due compensation. Meanwhile the property was sold to different owners and currently owned by a real estate firm from Surat.
The employees moved court for compensation and the case is currently in the Mumbai High Court. Recently, the Gaekwad Mill property owners started work to develop a compound wall around the land where the families are living, raising fears among them that they would be evicted.
"We had moved the Supreme Court which directed the Mumbai High Court to hear the case. Though the matter is sub-judice the current property owners attempted to build a wall where we are living. We objected to this," said Kamabhai Solanki, one of the residents.
"The residents of the area submitted the memorandum and currently no development is being allowed since the case is in court. Some days ago, they had made a representation about the same issue and we have assured them that court orders will be followed," said Ravi Kumar Arora, collector, Navsari.
"The residents are agitated since the map submitted by the Gaekwad Mill owners in Bilimora Municipality does not show residents on the land. No alternate arrangement for our accommodation is also offered," added Solanki.