Tension erupts at Unit-1 market in Bhubaneswar during anti-encroachment drive

Tension prevailed at Unit-1 Market in Bhubaneswar after a team of the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) arrived to conduct an anti-encroachment drive on Thursday. 

During the operation, two groups reportedly came face to face, leading to a tense situation in the area.

Police from Capital Police Station reached the spot and attempted to pacify those involved.

Allegations Linked To Recent Fire

The unrest followed a recent fire incident at one portion of the market. Shopkeepers alleged that the blaze was a case of arson and was deliberately set by traders operating on the opposite side of where the fire occurred.

A local resident alleged, “We were still trying to figure out who had set fire. However, Anuj Pradhan, an individual, was making a video of the area and upon confrontation told us that he was sending the video to the BMC. Why did BMC’s enforcement team not do it instead and ask him to do it? Anuj Pradhan had set fire back then out of jealousy because he was driven out of the organisation following allegations against him regarding fake trader’s licence and other.”

It is suspected that Anuj Pradhan was involved in the fire incident, though no official confirmation has been issued.

Police Deployment And Official Response Awaited

A woman was seen climbing over a gate and entering the premises of a residence during the unrest, which sources later identified as belonging to Anuj Pradhan.

Although the BMC enforcement team was present when tensions flared, no senior BMC officials had reached the scene at the time of reporting. 

Also Read: Bhubaneswar Unit-I Market Fire: BMC Mayor rules out compensation, flags safety violations by shopkeepers

No reaction could be obtained from BMC officials, Anuj Pradhan or the police regarding the allegations.