Jalandhar 5 November : Tension prevailed in Bhagat Singh Colony, Jalandhar, on Thursday after a Municipal Corporation team faced strong opposition while carrying out an action against allegedly illegal structures. The situation escalated into stone-pelting and a clash between two groups, following which police detained two people, including a woman.
According to the information available, the Municipal Corporation team had reached Bhagat Singh Colony to remove allegedly unauthorised kiosks. When workers began the operation with the help of a JCB machine, some people reportedly objected to the action and started pelting stones.
The confrontation soon intensified, with residents of the locality and those opposing the Corporation's action allegedly throwing stones at each other. The incident created tension in the area, prompting people to inform the police at Police Station Division No. 1.
Police personnel reached the spot and intervened. According to the police station in-charge, two kiosks were removed during the Corporation's operation. Police also took two people, including a woman and the owner of one of the kiosks, into custody in connection with the incident.
Some people opposing the demolition alleged that the Municipal Corporation had taken action without serving prior notice. Meanwhile, local residents reportedly claimed that they had complained to the administration about the structures, following which the action was initiated.
The police station in-charge said that further action would be taken based on the statements of those involved. The Municipal Corporation team continued its operation despite the opposition and removed the allegedly unauthorised kiosks from the site.
The incident has once again brought attention to the challenges faced by civic authorities during enforcement drives and the need to resolve disputes through lawful and peaceful means.
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