Removal of illegal shops sparks brawl

Police said that the IISCO authorities had damaged many road side stalls which had come up on the land of the steel major. The IISCO authorities had given a notice to the owners of the stalls those had come up on the encroached land to remove the shops a few weeks ago.

 Despite repeated requests, the owners had not removed the shop and continued doing their business without paying any heed to the notice given by the IISCO.

Finally, on Thursday night the IISCO authorities had damaged the shops and took possession of the land.

The incident led to violence on Friday morning with the shop owners pelting stones at the security personnel of the steel major. Finding no other way out to protest against the move of the IISCO, the agitators put up a block on the road connecting Tribeni More to Station Road. They set tyres on fire near Burnpur Bazar.

Apprehending that the situation would turn worse, traders in the bazaar had also left the place giving a deserted look to the usually crowded market place. The road block continued for around three hours and it led to massive traffic congestion in the area.

Vehicles were found standing in a queue and people remained seated finding no other alternative way to reach their destination.

The road block was withdrawn after senior police officers had intervened. Police pickets were posted apprehending further problem in the area. People, whose shows were being asked to be removed from the land of IISCO, would go for a greater movement.