Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, Baghbazar, Kolkata, July 11, 2025 : In a dramatic turn of events, a long-standing family dispute has led to a legal intervention regarding the preservation of Sarada Ma’s historic residence in Baghbazar. The Kolkata High Court has ordered the demolition of an illegally constructed part of the house that had been under construction despite objections from the family and local authorities. The court has given a 30-day deadline for the demolition, following an inquiry into the matter.
Sarada Ma’s home in Baghbazar, a place of deep historical significance, is now at the center of a dispute involving promoters and a long-running family saga. According to local sources, the house once belonged to a disciple of Sarada Ma, named Chandra. A touching story is associated with the home, where, at one point, Sarada Ma broke down in tears upon hearing of Chandra’s struggles. He was homeless, and in her compassion, Sarada Ma reportedly gifted him the house.
The home was later passed down to Chandra’s grandson, Kartik Chandra Dutta. However, after Kartik’s death, promoters allegedly began occupying the house, especially after acquiring the section of the property that had once been owned by Chandra. The remaining part of the home is still occupied by Sameer Dutta and his brother, the surviving heirs of the family.
The controversy surrounding the property has gained traction as the promoters, despite clear legal objections, moved ahead with the construction of a three-storey building. The family claims that the promoter managed to secure approval for the construction despite the fact that the road leading to the house is just four feet wide—insufficient for such a large building.
In 2021, after the Dutta family filed a complaint, municipal authorities visited the site to assess the situation. However, despite evidence of illegal construction, the municipality failed to halt the work, prompting the family to approach the Kolkata High Court.
After thoroughly reviewing reports from the municipal authorities, Justice Soumen Sen issued a stern order, instructing that the illegal portion of the construction be demolished within 30 days. The court’s intervention has been welcomed by the Dutta family and local residents who have long feared the loss of this historical landmark.
The house has long been a site of reverence for many, with numerous people visiting it every day to pay their respects to Sarada Ma. The recent developments have sparked widespread discussions in the community, with many expressing concern over the loss of cultural heritage and the unchecked power of promoters in such matters.
As the clock ticks down, the Dutta family is hopeful that the court’s directive will preserve the legacy of Sarada Ma’s home and prevent any further unauthorized changes to the property. The case highlights growing concerns about the commercialization of historic properties and the protection of such landmarks in urban spaces.
