Cherupuzha: The lottery stall at Cherupuzha Mele Bazar, which had been allegedly dismantled by the landowner, has now been re-established by the Vyapari Vyavasayi Samithi, the traders’ association.

Although there had been an assurance that the issue would be resolved through discussions, the landowner unilaterally withdrew from the agreement. It was against this backdrop that the organisation decided to reconstruct the lottery stall at the site, said leaders of the Samithi.

Earlier, a complaint was raised that the lottery stall had been demolished on the night of September 20. Following this, the property owner lodged a police complaint with Cherupuzha Police, alleging that the building was torn down under the cover of night. Following this, protest meetings and a procession were organised under the leadership of the Vyapari Vyavasayi Samithi and the All Kerala Lottery Agents and Sellers Congress.

Union leaders who visited the site, however, stated that the demolition was actually carried out by the landowner himself, citing delays by the tenant in vacating the premises. They also pointed out that the property owner had obtained a court injunction after demanding that the building be vacated.