Anti-encroachment drive turns violent in Patna

Patna, Nov 21 (UNI) Unauthorised slum dwellers went on a rampage in protest against the anti-encroachment drive by the Patna Regional Development Authority(PRDA) under Kotwali police station near Patna railway station here today.

Official sources said the slum dwellers turned violent when a contingent of PRDA officials and security personnel arrived the spot to remove the unauthorised construction on the government land.

The ding-dong battle continued for some time between police and the locals, who even tried to torch the bulldozer following which police resorted to mild lathicharge.

A few people sustained minor injuries in the lathicharge.

Later, someone torched a hut and the fire engulfed a large area reducing several hutments into ashes.

Fire tenders, however, managed to douse the flame.

Meanwhile, police said investigation was on to ascertain the cause of the fire.

District officials, who were present on the spot to supervise the anti-encroachment drive, suddenly changed their approach and later distributed relief materials among the victims and assured to suitably compensate them for the loss of property during the incident, sources added.

UNI XC RS SJC RN1656