Tension gripped Baleswar town on Tuesday as some traders opposed an eviction drive carried out by the municipal authorities in the Motiganj area.
The removal of encroachments from either side of the road connecting the Cinema square and the Town police station had begun on Monday in presence of police and a Magistrate. However, while the unauthorised extensions and encroachments removal process was on, some traders and shopkeepers tried to stall the operation.
The situation turned ugly after heated verbal duels started between the locals and the enforcing officials. Reports said some of the angry protestors pelted stones and bricks on the police personnel on duty. Consequently, the police had to apply mild force to disperse the agitators.
Following intervention of the local senior officers of the district administration and elected representatives, the situation was brought under control. Later on the day, a meeting was held involving the representatives of traders, shopkeepers, municipality officials and sub Collector, Baleswar.
It was decided that the eviction would be kept on hold for next three days and in the said period the complainants would be removing their encroachments under their own arrangement. Although the tense situation was pacified, adequate police personnel have been deployed on the stretch to thwart any untoward incidents.