Eviction drive from govt land in Sambalpur: Security measures intensified

Concerns over escalating tensions have emerged in Sambalpur as local authorities initiated the process for removal of encroachments from government land in the Motijharan and Sunapali areas. A substantial police force has been mobilised in anticipation of resistance from local residents.

Security measures have been intensified with Section 163 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) being enforced. This restriction prevents gatherings of four or more people within a 200-metre radius of Motijharan Square. Announcements over public address systems have been made, urging the public to comply with these regulations. 

The area has been barricaded and entry of people has been prohibited in the area during the eviction drive.

Senior officials, including the Commissioner of the Sambalpur Municipal Corporation, the Additional Superintendent of Police (SP), the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), and station officers from various stations, are on-site to supervise the eviction proceedings.

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Elaborate security arrangement has been made suspecting any kind of law and order situation during the eviction drive. The main road in the area will be expanded following the completion of the eviction drive. Police has made elaborate preparation for the eviction drive.

However, as per the latest report, no untoward incidents have so far occurred though the eviction drive in the area has already been started.

No comments could be obtained from the administrative officials about the eviction drive.

Notably, the district administration has been continuing eviction drives from the government lands in various parts of the district for the last few days.