Eviction Drive Triggers Tension At Bhubaneswar Unit-2 Market Building As Vendors Oppose

Bhubaneswar: Tension erupted at Unit II Market Building in Bhubaneswar as shopkeepers opposed an eviction drive launched in the area on Monday.

Makeshift vendors strongly opposed the eviction drive undertaken jointly by the enforcement squad of Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA).

Police personnel in strength were also deployed during the drive to ensure smooth eviction operation.

However, the eviction drive was finally put on hold following commotion in the area and strong opposition from the shopkeepers who staged a demonstration, sources said.

The shopkeepers further alleged that some officials of the BMC enforcement squad misbehaved with some vendors, and demanded immediate action against them.

The shopkeepers opposed the drive stating that they were being evicted without any measure for their proper rehabilitation.

They offered stiff opposition when the enforcement team started demolishing makeshift structures in front of the Keshari Mall in the Market Building area. The vendors claimed that they had not been given any prior notice for shifting.

They demanded that immediate steps be taken to rehabilitate the shopkeepers before undertaking any demolition in the area.