Uttar Pradesh News: Clash Erupts During Anti-Encroachment Drive In Agra; 5 Injured Including Civic Official

Agra: A confrontation broke out in Agra on Wednesday during an anti-encroachment drive by the Municipal Corporation, resulting in five injuries, including a municipal staff member. The situation escalated quickly from a verbal spat to a full-blown physical altercation, with locals reportedly wielding sticks.

The incident occurred in the Sarai Khwaja area of Shahganj. The Municipal Corporation team initially issued challans to vendors using polythene near a liquor store.

The conflict began when they proceeded to dismantle temporary shops and demolish furniture encroaching on a drain. This angered shopkeepers and local residents, who retaliated, leading to injuries for five people, including Sanitation Inspector Pradeep Gautam.

The dispute spilled over into the Sarai Khwaja police outpost, where both parties continued to argue and create a ruckus inside. Police managed to control the agitated crowd with difficulty. The injured are undergoing medical examination, and both sides are filing complaints at the police outpost.

It has emerged that the shopkeeper involved in the initial dispute is reportedly close to Kheragarh MLA Bhagwan Singh Kushwah. The MLA's brother intervened and attempted to mediate, but the situation spiraled out of control afterward. Dr. Sanjay Verma, Municipal Corporation's encroachment in-charge, stated that an investigation is underway, and further action will be taken based on its findings.