Patna: A violent clash broke out during an anti-encroachment drive near Medanta Hospital in Kankarbagh on Monday afternoon, leaving several police personnel, district officials and locals injured after slum dwellers allegedly resisted the removal of illegal structures and pelted stones at the team.The incident occurred around 12 noon when a joint team led by city magistrate Aditya Shrivastava and ASP (Sadar) Abhinav Kumar — along with officials from the district administration, Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) and police personnel — reached the spot to clear encroachments in front of the hospital.
Shrivastava said the drive was part of the city’s ongoing initiative to remove illegal slums and improve road access. “As the team began the removal process, local slum dwellers and residents became agitated and strongly opposed the action,” he said. The magistrate and the ASP attempted to pacify the crowd, but tensions escalated when some people began pelting stones.According to police, a PMC employee and several police personnel sustained minor injuries. The mob also vandalised a JCB machine used in the operation. A large police force from nearby stations reached the spot soon after and brought the situation under control.The ASP said an FIR has been registered against those involved in stone-pelting, vandalism and other unlawful activities. “The other accused will be identified with the help of CCTV footage,” he said.A video of the incident circulating online showed the scuffle and chaos, triggering discussions on social media about the handling of anti-encroachment drives.A local woman said, “We are ready to move, but the govt should first provide us space.” Another resident alleged that the team demolished their hut despite their request not to do so.
