Indore witnessed a clash on Wednesday morning between Municipal Corporation employees and Bajrang Dal workers during an encroachment removal operation. The incident, which occurred in Satyadev Nagar and Dutt Nagar, saw both sides resorting to the use of sticks. Bajrang Dal workers also vandalized municipal vehicles.
According to Municipal Corporation Deputy Commissioner Lata Agarwal, the operation began around 6:30 a.m. to remove encroachments and transport stray cattle in municipal vehicles. The Bajrang Dal workers arrived on the scene and protested against the action. When the municipal workers attempted to explain, the situation escalated into a violent confrontation.
Three individuals sustained injuries in the clash, and 4-5 municipal vehicles were damaged. Notices had been issued earlier to the cow shelters against which the action was taken.
Vishwa Hindu Parishad office-bearer Pappu Gochle alleged that municipal workers treated the cows inhumanely. "They pull the cows with ropes, twist their tails, and overload vehicles with 15-20 animals, despite the permissible limit being seven," he claimed. Gochle added that the Bajrang Dal intervened and protested, leading to the confrontation.
Municipal Commissioner Shivam Verma visited the injured workers admitted to Shelby Hospital to assess their condition and assured them of all necessary assistance. Addressing the doctors, he emphasized the need for optimal care for the injured employees.
Meanwhile, the municipal employees raised slogans and handed over a memorandum to Commissioner Verma, demanding the registration of a case against the Bajrang Dal workers under charges of obstructing government work and assault. They warned of a strike if action was not taken promptly.
MG Road Police Station in-charge Vijay Singh Sisodia confirmed that 13 cows were sent to Hatod Gaushala in three vehicles under police protection. A team of 10 police personnel accompanied the municipal workers to ensure security during the operation.
