Dhamtari, Chhattisgarh: Tensions flared in Piparchedi village under the Arjuni police station limits of Dhamtari district after the district administration launched a bulldozer operation against illegal encroachments on government land. The action, carried out on Monday, triggered strong resistance from local residents, forcing authorities to temporarily halt the drive.
As soon as heavy machinery was deployed to demolish alleged encroachments, protestors gathered at the site and blocked the operation. Several men and women sat in front of the JCB machine, while one youth climbed onto the excavator’s bucket in an attempt to stop the demolition. Protesters alleged selective action, claiming that the village sarpanch and other influential residents had also encroached on government land but were being spared.
The situation escalated further when a family reportedly poured petrol on themselves and threatened self-immolation. In a dramatic turn, petrol was also splashed toward nearby people, creating panic and a tense atmosphere at the site. Police and revenue officials struggled for several hours to control the situation.
Due to the mounting unrest, the revenue department team was forced to withdraw without completing the operation. Officials present at the spot included the village panch, tehsildar, patwari, and police personnel from Arjuni police station.
Naib Tehsildar Durgesh Tanwar stated that a total of 22 illegal encroachments have been identified in Piparchedi village. He confirmed that the encroachment removal drive was initiated in the presence of revenue officials and police but had to be suspended due to intense public opposition.
The administration has clarified that the action has only been postponed, not canceled. The encroachment removal drive will resume on Tuesday, with additional security forces deployed to prevent law-and-order issues.
Authorities have warned that strict action will be taken against illegal encroachments, while also assuring that the process will be conducted as per legal procedures.