Authorities in Chomu, Rajasthan, have launched a significant demolition drive targeting illegal constructions in the Imam Chowk area. This decisive action comes as a direct response to the violent stone-pelting incident that occurred on December 25, which left eleven police personnel injured.
Crackdown on Encroachments After Violence
The operation, carried out under tight security on Friday, saw municipal teams tearing down structures built without proper authorization. Officials stated that the drive specifically focuses on encroachments linked to individuals involved in the earlier clash. Rajesh Gupta, ADCP of Jaipur West, confirmed the action, stating that the municipal council is systematically removing all identified illegal constructions and encroachments.
"The municipal council is taking action. Illegal constructions are being demolished, and encroachments are being removed," Gupta said. He added that notices had been issued to 19–20 individuals prior to the demolition, and steps are being taken to clear all of them. The health inspector of Chomu Municipal Council, Sandeep Singh Kaviya, provided further details, noting that notices were served three days ago to 20-22 people who had encroached on the road, with action commencing after the deadline expired.
Recap of the December 25 Incident
The tensions that precipitated this crackdown flared on Christmas Day. The conflict began when a police team attempted to remove iron railings that were encroaching onto a public road outside a mosque in Chomu town. The situation quickly escalated as locals reportedly began pelting stones at the officers. Police were forced to use tear gas shells and mild force to disperse the agitated crowd.
In the aftermath, 19 individuals have been arrested in connection with the attack on police, according to DCP (West) Hanuman Prasad Meena. While over 100 people were initially detained after the clash, most were later released. Officials investigating the case are still probing whether the attack was a spontaneous outburst or a premeditated act, with one official mentioning they are looking into the possibility of rumour-mongering triggering the violence.
Police and Administration Stand Firm
The local police have thrown their full support behind the municipal council's demolition drive. Pradeep Sharma, the SHO of Chomu police station, emphasized that action must be taken against those in the wrong. "We are here with the municipal council. The council has identified the encroachments and is taking action against them," Sharma stated, underscoring the coordinated effort between law enforcement and civic bodies.
This operation in Chomu's Imam Chowk area highlights the administration's firm stance against illegal constructions and public encroachments, especially following acts of violence against state personnel. The demolition drive serves as a clear message that such disruptions of public order will be met with strict legal and administrative consequences.
