The protest called by Pauri Municipal Board president Yashpal Benam in support of the demand for demolishing the colonial era Collectorate building to construct new building and building of park in the Jail garden compound turned violent on Thursday.
The protesters destroyed the temporary structure erected by the working agency to start the construction of new collectorate building in Jail garden compound. The police force present at the spot acted when the sub divisional magistrate reached the spot and dispersed the violent mob. Few protesters pelted stones at a shop which was kept open by the owner.
The businessman alleged that despite the instruction of the District Magistrate, no force was deployed in the market to protect the businessmen from anti social elements and they were forced to down their shutters for fear of violence and loot. The fear of miscreants also prevented members of the Muslim community from shopping for Eid-ul-Fitr due to the forced closure of the market.
The protesters rallied through various localities of the town before reaching the jail garden where they began raising anti-administration slogans. The police force deployed there to protect the Government property tried to stop the mob from entering the construction site but the mob forced its way in and demolished the scaffolding put up there.
After they were dispersed by the police, the protesters held a meeting at the Dhara Road corner and few protesters went towards Upper Bazaar, Agency and damaged the shop of Vinay Kinger, Treasure of Businessmen's Association, whose shop was opened. The SDM Pl Shah said that the protesters violated the law and disrupted order by damaging property and obstructing government work. A case will be registered against those responsible, he added.