MEERUT, May 9 -- The sealing of a four-storey shopping complex in Meerut's Sector-12 two days ago triggered a protest from shopkeepers and businessmen who say it caused them huge financial loss. The UP Housing and Development Board sealed the Grand Square Complex on Wednesday. According to officials, the complex was constructed by merging plots number 427 and 428 in Sector-12 over nearly 773 square metres. The building houses around 115 shops. Rahul Yadav, superintending engineer of the UP Housing and Development Board, said the complex was constructed in deviation from the sanctioned building map and operated in violation of established rules. Despite multiple notices issued earlier to property owner, no corrective measures were taken, prompting authorities to carry out the sealing drive. Further action will be taken as per rules and regulations, he added. The complex recently gained attention following the inauguration of a jewellery showroom owned by popular YouTuber Shadab Jakati. However, within days of the inauguration, the authorities concerned sealed the entire complex. Traders namely Md Asif, Sarfaraz, Hamza, Sirajuddin and Ashfaq said they invested lakhs of rupees in purchasing shops in the complex, while several others were running their businesses from rented showrooms. Following the sealing action, goods worth lakhs of rupees remain locked inside premises, causing heavy financial losses. "If the construction was illegal, why was it not stopped in the beginning? Where were the officials when the building was being constructed?," the protesting traders asked. Investigations revealed that the original allottee of the land, Kasturi Lal, sold the property to Saeed Saifi, but the ownership transfer was never formally registered with the department. Authorities said notices regarding the alleged illegal construction were issued in Kasturi Lal's name, directing removal of the structure within one week. After the deadline expired, the department sealed the premises. However, Saeed Saifi defended the project, claiming that the complex possesses no-objection certificates from all departments except the fire department. Shopkeepers also claimed that they hold valid commercial electricity connections and regularly pay goods and services tax. htc...