Locals-police clash at anti-encroachment drive in Patna, SP injured

An anti-encroachment drive at the Nepali colony of Rajeev Nagar in Patna turned violent on Sunday after a clash broke out between Bihar police and locals. Heavy police force and dozens of bulldozers were deployed at the spot as the administration geared to demolish illegal constructions.

However, as soon after the bulldozer drive started, locals started pelting stones at the police force. Reports also say that some locals burnt cylinders outside their homes to prevent the police from coming close to the illegal constructions. City Superintendent of Police (SP) Ambrish Rahul and several policemen got injured during the clash.

The police had to resort to the use of tear gas shells to disperse the crowd. City Superintendent of Police (Central) Patna, Ambrish Rahul got injured during the clash.

Patna District Magistrate (DM) Chandrashekhar Singh said, “We had identified 40 acres of area and came today for an anti-encroachment drive. Locals collected and scattered pelting stones. Some policemen and City SP city were injured. The area is now in control. The process will continue till the zone is encroachment free.” The police revealed a notice was issued to remove almost 90 illegal constructions in Rajeev Nagar about one and half months ago. Despite the notice, people living in the area staged a protest by blocking roads.

Speaking about the prevalence of a land mafia in the area, the police revealed, «While 5000 residents live here, only 90 applications were received of whom only 9 were accepted. No one has any paperwork. Land mafia is involved as this is prime land. We›ve advertised no sale/buying of this land is permitted, however, parallel sales are going on.» He added, «We have issued notice thrice, if they are saying notice hasn›t been issued it is false. We will acquire 40 acres of land and will take strict action against whoever will interfere in this matter. We have arrested dozens of people who were pelting stones today.»