Clash erupts between police and locals amid anti-encroachment drive in Indore

Indore: In compliance with a National Green Tribunal (NGT) directive, the Indore administration on Wednesday reclaimed government land valued at an estimated Rs 100 crore along the banks of the Kanh River, clearing illegal structures from the heart of the city, officials said.

The anti-encroachment drive targeted the South Toda area of the commercial hub, demolishing over 50 illegal shops and more than 45 unauthorised factories operating within 30 metres of the riverbank. Officials confirmed that the operation freed approximately two acres of high-value government land.

The clearance operation faced violent resistance from local encroachers who created a ruckus on site. During attempts to disperse the gathering crowd, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Disesh Agarwal was pushed by a protester, causing him to lose his balance and fall.

Addressing the law and order situation, Assistant Police Commissioner Vijay Chaudhary stated that six individuals were arrested on the spot. Chaudhary confirmed that an FIR has been registered against 15 people for obstructing government work, disturbing peace, and related charges.

Highlighting the environmental necessity of the action, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Ghanshyam Dhangar said, "We have taken possession of valuable government land by removing all encroachments. Now, the river banks will be realigned and the surrounding area will be beautified." Dhangar added that the unauthorized constructions had been severely obstructing the river's natural flow. (PTI)