Kolkata: A planned eviction drive targeting hawkers around Jadavpur railway station was halted late Tuesday night after protests by CPI(M) workers and local traders.

Bulldozers brought to the station premises for the operation were eventually withdrawn following discussions between protesters, railway officials and the police.

The situation turned tense after several bulldozers arrived outside Jadavpur station on Tuesday night, triggering fears among hawkers that their shops would be demolished overnight.

As news of the proposed drive spread, panic gripped the area, prompting CPI(M) activists to rush to the spot in support of the traders.

Led by CPI(M) leader Srijan Bhattacharyya, a large number of Left workers gathered at the station premises carrying placards and raising slogans against the proposed eviction.

The protesters maintained that no demolition should be carried out without first ensuring rehabilitation and alternative livelihood arrangements for those affected.

CPI(M) demands rehabilitation before eviction

Speaking to officials at the site, Srijan Bhattacharyya argued that residents and traders could not be removed without proper rehabilitation.

Referring to a court ruling, he said those living or conducting business in the area were entitled to rehabilitation and alternative means of livelihood before any eviction process could proceed.

“According to the 1988 judgment, people residing or doing business here cannot be removed without providing alternative arrangements. We are pursuing a legal battle on this issue,” Bhattacharyya said.

Advocate Shamim Ahmed was also present and reportedly held multiple rounds of discussions with police officials while presenting relevant legal documents.

Bulldozers withdrawn after talks

As tensions continued through the night, Left activists announced that they were prepared to stage an overnight sit-in alongside the hawkers to prevent any demolition.

Following prolonged discussions, railway and police officials decided not to proceed with the operation.

Bhattacharyya later claimed that officials had informed protesters that no immediate action was planned in the coming days.

He said further discussions would be held regarding the station premises and traders' concerns.

Railway sources, however, maintained that efforts to clear alleged encroachments around the station have been under consideration for a long time.

Officials reportedly blamed delays in the process on a lack of cooperation from the previous state government.

For now, the withdrawal of the bulldozers has brought temporary relief to hawkers at Jadavpur station, though uncertainty remains over the future of the proposed eviction drive.