Patna: A clash broke out between protesting villagers and anti-encroachment team on the fourth day of the ongoing drive in Sikandarpur police station area of Muzaffarpur district. The confrontation occurred on Lakdi Dhai Bandh Road on Tuesday, where hundreds of residents gathered to oppose the demolition of their houses and structures.The protesters accused the administration of discriminatory action, claiming that long-time residents were forcibly evicted without any provision for alternative housing or rehabilitation. As tempers flared, a heated dispute erupted between villagers opposing the drive and a smaller group that supported the administration’s efforts to clear encroached land. The argument quickly escalated into violence, with stones being pelted and scuffles breaking out.In a dramatic escalation, the angry protesters set fire to tyres and blocked the road. The blockade brought traffic to a complete standstill, inconveniencing commuters and spreading chaos in the surrounding areas.Police and senior administrative officials rushed to the site to bring the situation under control. Authorities attempted to pacify the crowd through dialogue and assurances, but the residents remained adamant, repeatedly demanding concrete rehabilitation plans before allowing any further demolitions to proceed.The district administration maintained that the anti-encroachment operation was carried out strictly in compliance with a court order. Officials stressed that the drive aimed to remove illegal encroachments on govt and public land to facilitate development and restore order, and was not directed against any particular community.Revenue officer Karun Karan said illegal ‘pucca’ houses built on govt land were demolished. “A total of 90 houses were demolished. Despite being issued notices twice, the encroachment was not removed. Action was taken thereafter,” he said.
