Indore, Sep 9 (IANS) A ruckus broke out during an anti-encroachment drive in Indore’s South Toda area on Wednesday after some residents opposed the demolition of alleged illegal structures, prompting police to detain six persons.

The situation turned tense when a group of youths allegedly pushed Dishesh Agrawal, Additional DCP, while police personnel were attempting to control the crowd. The officer reportedly lost his balance and fell, following which police detained the accused youth along with several others.

The incident took place when a large team of the Indore Municipal Corporation reached South Toda, under the Raoji Bazar police station limits, to remove encroachments along a drain and other locations.

The civic body deployed more than 100 personnel, three Poclain machines, and six JCBs for the operation. More than 80 police personnel and officers were deployed to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incident.

According to police, some people opposed the demolition drive and gathered at the site. Police attempted to push them back and clear the area to allow the municipal team to continue its action.

During the commotion, youths allegedly shoved Agrawal from behind. Police personnel then apprehended him, while several other people were also detained.

“Six people were detained during the demolition drive. Further action will be taken against them as per the law,” Agrawal told IANS.

ACP Vijay Singh Chaudhary said the encroachments had been affecting traffic movement and causing inconvenience in the area.

“The Municipal Corporation carried out the anti-encroachment drive in South Toda. Several encroachments had been made along the drain and at other locations, causing major disruption to traffic and movement.

Some people opposed the action, but the police brought the situation under control and detained those creating trouble,” Chaudhary told IANS.

The Municipal Corporation said around 50 sheds and illegal portions of six houses were removed during the drive. However, the situation was later brought under control soon after the incident, and the demolition operation continued under police security.

–IANS

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