VietNamNet Bridge – A building complex being illegally constructed in Yen Bai Commune in the mountainous district of Ba Vi was knocked down on Friday (July 20), only two months before its expected completion date.

The “palace” was destroyed for illegally constructed on agricultural land. — VNA/VNS Photo Manh Khanh

500 people equipped with heavy machinery were sent to take down the building.

Bach Cong Tien, head of Ba Vi District People’s Committee, told Vietnam News Agency that local authorities had asked the investor to stop building and dismantle illegal construction items. The investor, however, refused to follow those demands and insisted on completing the whole complex.

In May, Yen Bai Commune People’s Committee was instructed to stop construction and tear down any of the existing work.

Owner Le Viet Long is alleged to have switched the land use rights from agricultural to residential without approval. The 1,600sq.m complex included a two-storey mansion covering 326sq.m, surrounded by mountains and a lake.

The roof of the mansion had also been adorned with intricate carvings before it was taken down.

Le Viet Long did not show up at the site and sent a lawyer in his place.

The area of nearly 1ha belonged to the state-owned Viet Mong Farm.

“The ownership was illegally exchanged through different people. While only temporary shelters are allowed to be set up in the area, the investor built a huge complex, seriously violating building codes,” Tien said.  

Source: VNS