A planned operation by the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) to clear illegal structures descended into chaos and violence on Wednesday. What began as a routine anti-encroachment drive on the busy Kanadia Road escalated into a physical confrontation between civic staff and street vendors, forcing police intervention.
Drive Targets Traffic Snarls, Removes Over 60 Stalls
The IMC team was focused on the congested stretch running from the Holkar statue towards Bypass. Officials stated that illegal pushcarts, kiosks, food stalls, and vegetable shops were causing major traffic disruptions in the area. Building Officer of Zone 19, Vishal Rathore, confirmed that the corporation had made prior public announcements, urging vendors to remove their belongings voluntarily before the drive commenced.
According to Rathore, goods were only seized from those who failed to comply with the warnings. The team successfully removed over 60 illegal stalls during the operation, clearing the entire designated stretch. Rathore issued a stern warning, stating that further action would be taken if any vendors attempted to return and set up shop illegally again.
Argument Over Seized Cart Sparks Physical Fight
The situation turned violent as the IMC team was concluding its drive. Sources indicate that the clash erupted from an argument related to the unloading of a seized pushcart. Tensions flared further with allegations that an IMC staff member had shoved a disabled child, though these claims are part of the ongoing investigation.
This verbal dispute rapidly spiraled out of control, transforming into a physical brawl. IMC employees and local vendors were seen aggressively slapping and pushing each other. Onlookers eventually stepped in to separate the clashing groups, preventing more serious injuries. Following the incident, IMC officials promptly informed the local police.
Police Detain Two, Assault Complaint to be Filed
A police team quickly arrived at the scene on Kanadia Road to take control of the situation. Law enforcement officials detained two shopkeepers who were allegedly involved in the dispute and took them to the police station for detailed questioning.
IMC removal officer Bablu Kalyane, who claims he was assaulted during the melee, stated that the corporation would file a formal police complaint against the vendors for the attack on civic staff. The police are investigating the sequence of events, including the allegations concerning the disabled child, to determine the exact causes and assign responsibility for the violence.
