Chaos Erupts As IMC Seizes Goods Of Roadside Vendors, Civic Body Cracks Down Encroachers At Mahu Naka-Dussehra Ground

Indore (Madhya Pradesh): A major anti-encroachment operation by Indore Municipal Corporation turned chaotic on Wednesday evening as officials targeted illegal roadside vendors at Mahu Naka and Dussehra Ground. The action, which was aimed at clearing traffic bottlenecks caused by unregulated vendors, met with stiff resistance from local sellers and triggered a tense standoff.

The operation was launched in response to numerous public complaints regarding evening traffic congestion in the area, attributed to street vendors and shoppers blocking roads. Additional municipal commissioner Lata Agarwal said that the corporation's team, accompanied by police personnel, took swift action and seized nearly 12 truckloads of goods, including vegetables, carts and makeshift structures.

"There was no room for even a single vehicle to pass during the evening hours. People were distressed. Despite repeated announcements and prior warnings, many vendors did not vacate the area," said Agarwal. “The plan had been in place for months and an announcement was also made on Tuesday. Only those who complied were spared,” she added.

Police use mild force

Tensions flared as vegetable sellers attempted to resist the corporation’s efforts. A situation of commotion developed and mild force had to be used by police to control the crowd. One woman alleged rough handling and questioned the administration's approach. “Where should poor people go? Sit in the sun and sell like us and you’ll understand,” she said.

The situation escalated dramatically when the same woman reportedly brought a bottle of acid and attempted to consume it in protest. Corporation staff intervened just in time and prevented an untoward incident by snatching the bottle away.

Authorities also dismantled hut-like structures that had reportedly become semi-permanent dwellings at Mahu Naka. “Some people had even started living there. These illegal structures have also been removed,” Agarwal stated.

According to the corporation, the confiscated vegetables will be sent to the local zoo for animal feed, while the rest of the items will be returned following due procedures.