Bhopal: A tribal settlement near Manas Bhavan at Polytechnic Square was cleared on Saturday as the district administration carried out an anti-encroachment drive amid protests by residents and Congress leaders. Police resorted to a mild lathi charge and detained several protesters before releasing them later.
The area had been cordoned off since Friday night, with heavy police deployment and barricading restricting movement. The demolition drive began around 7 am and continued for nearly eight hours.
VIDEO | Bhopal: An eviction drive near the CM House in Shyamla Hills triggered protests as local women and Congress leaders staged a dharna against the removal of 27 families. The administration sealed the area, while protesters alleged the matter is still pending in court and… pic.twitter.com/IRdjcuteha
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Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari, former minister PC Sharma and municipal corporation Leader of Opposition Shabista Zaki were among those who reached the spot and staged a protest. Demonstrators sat on a dharna, while one youth briefly climbed a tower before being brought down by police.
As tensions escalated, police used mild force to disperse the crowd. Shabista Zaki, Asif Zaki and other party workers were taken into custody and released later.
Officials said 27 families residing in the nearly 70-year-old settlement were being relocated to housing units in Bhauri, Kalkheda and Malikhedi. Around 95 officials and staff were deployed for the operation.
Residents alleged they were not given sufficient time to remove their belongings, with some claiming that documents and valuables were buried under the debris. A student preparing for NEET said her exam documents were trapped inside her house, raising concerns about her ability to appear for the test.
Protests continued through the day, with women and children sitting on the road and raising slogans against the administration. Police had deployed water cannons and maintained heavy security to prevent any escalation.
Officials said the families were being shifted to one-bedroom units under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, adding that the action was carried out as per procedure.
