Surat: The demolition of an under-construction temple by employees of Varachha Zone of Surat Municipal Corporation in Punagaon area of Surat has caused fury among the local people.

The temple was being built on a TP road at TP No. 20 near the gate of Shrinathji Society, which locals claim is a legal site.

According to Sachin Mali, a resident of Shrinathji Society, the construction of the temple began after thorough cleaning of the site where a sub-station and pile of filth used to be. "There is anger among the local people due to the removal of the temple," Mali said.

However, Varachha Zone Officer Kamlesh Vasava said that unauthorized construction was being done on the road for religious purposes, which was stopped a few days back. "Today our team started the demolition process. Our team has taken action due to illegal construction," Vasava said.

The incident has sparked a dispute between local residents and the Surat Municipal Corporation.