Chennai: 'Seerani Arangam', an open-air gallery on the Marina sands constructed during the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) regime in the 70's and used by political parties and Evangelical sects, was razed to the ground late lon August 9 night by the Public Works Department (PWD) staff as it was stated to be in a 'dilapidated condition'.

The 'operation demolition' conducted with the help of two earthmovers, was over in just an hour. There were also complaints from the public in the area that the gallery, situated on the Marina beach sands, was being used by 'anti-social elements' during night hours. However, no official reasons were ascribed to the 'mid-night' demolition of the gallery from which VIPs addressed gatherings.

Sources in PWD and the Chennai Corporation, which maintain the structure, are not sure whether the demolition would pave way for construction of another structure at the same place. IN 2002, a statue of Kannagi, very close to the galley, was 'removed' by the officials on the ground that it obstructed smooth flow of traffic on the 'beach road'.

Informed sources said there was 'nothing political' to the demolition.

PTI