Raipur: The situation in Gudhiyari region of Raipur was worsening, with locals and political forces protesting against an ongoing endeavor to widen the road. Bhim Army, Chhattisgarh Kranti Sena and other supporters of Indian National Congress attended the event in their large numbers against the destruction of shops and buildings as part of the project.
The administration also stationed massive police presence at the area to control law and order and officials of the municipal corporation and district administration conducted bulldozer action to clear so-called encroachments. Demonstrators were sitting on a dharna, and blocked roads and shouted slogans against the government.
Local shopkeepers argued that they still had more than 40-50 years old establishments and compensation was already given in the past. But they claimed that the ongoing demolition exercise went beyond the agreed quotas. Most of them claimed that their stores were their only source of livelihood and were afraid to lose all that in case the buildings were cleared.
District Congress president Kumar Menon opposed the move accusing local leadership of attacking poor traders and destroying more than what is allowed. According to him, the protests will go on until the action is stopped.
Conversely, officers, such as Naib Tehsildar Praveen Parman insisted that the movement was being done according to the regulations. They claimed the compensation was given and relevant permissions were secured prior to the start of the demolition.
The development caused traffic snarls in the locality where roads were blocked as a result of demonstrations. The situation is still under constant surveillance of authorities which are concerned as tensions between residents and the administration are still going on.