City witnesses stone-pelting, lathi-charge during anti-encroachment drive

Tension prevailed near Satellite Chowk in Ranchi on Wednesday as the district administration continued its second day of an anti-encroachment drive on Heavy Engineering Corporation (HEC) land. The situation turned violent after protesters allegedly pelted stones at police and clashed with women personnel, prompting police to use lathi-charge to disperse the crowd.

More than half a dozen people were detained in connection with the incident. Police and protesters on both sides reportedly sustained injuries during the confrontation.

A large police contingent was deployed at the site from the morning as the administration began removing alleged encroachments. Officials initially attempted to persuade residents to cooperate with the drive. However, several residents sat in front of the JCB machines, while some protesters reportedly climbed onto the machinery to prevent the demolition work.

Police personnel removed the protesters from the machines, following which the situation became tense. Stones were allegedly thrown towards the police during the confrontation, with several women personnel reportedly falling during the incident. Police subsequently carried out lathi-charge on multiple occasions to disperse the crowd.

Hatia DSP Neeraj said the team engaged in the encroachment removal drive was attacked and several police personnel were injured in stone-pelting. He said a mild lathi-charge was used to bring the situation under control. More than half a dozen people have been detained and an investigation into the incident is underway, he added.

Residents of the settlement said they had been living in the area for several years and that the demolition drive could leave them without shelter. They demanded that the administration make alternative arrangements before removing their houses.

Residents also alleged that they had earlier been assured that the settlement would not be demolished, but the administration subsequently resumed the drive with JCB machines. Protesters surrounded the machines and demanded that the administration hear their grievances before proceeding further.

The residents sought permanent or alternative housing and rehabilitation for settlements located on HEC land.

Officials said the action was being carried out on the orders of the district administration. They maintained that the land belongs to HEC and that structures falling under the category of encroachment would be removed in accordance with the orders.

Encroachment removal drives have been conducted on HEC land in Ranchi in the past as well, during which several houses and huts were removed. With the latest drive triggering fresh opposition, security has been strengthened in the area.