Encroachments cleared from riverine localities, 18 detained

Varanasi, Dec 4 (UNI) A team of the Varanasi Development Authority (VDA) demolished encroachments on ceiling land edging the Ganga river here this evening amid protests by locals and political activists which resulted in detention of 18 people.

Officials said the VDA team had arrived at Samneghat in Lanka area for the demolition exercise.

But, locals alongwith Congress and BSP workers tried to prevent them from going on with the anti-encroachment drive.

The police resorted to cane charge to disperse the protestors resulting in injuries to BSP leader Vikram Vij. At least 18 others including Congress leader Dayashankar Mishra were detained by the police.

Later, the VDA team demolished at least four illegal constructions on the ceiling land.

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