FIR filed after street vendors clash with Amritsar civic body officials

The Estate Department of the Amritsar Municipal Corporation has lodged a police complaint after its team allegedly faced abuse and obstruction while removing illegal street vendors encroaching on the road and footpaths outside Hathi Gate here on Thursday.

According to official information, the department was carrying out its routine anti-encroachment drive near the Veterinary Hospital Chowk at Hathi Gate, asking vendors to remove their vends placed along the outer wall and on the footpath.

During the operation, a man identified as Sona allegedly abused members of the team and misbehaved with a woman inspector. He is accused of throwing vegetables at her and attempting to manhandle the staff.

Officials further alleged that the accused, along with other vendors, later placed a vend in the middle of the road, leading to a traffic jam. They also reportedly attempted to pelt stones at the civic team, thereby obstructing government duty.

Following a report sent by Additional Commissioner Jai Inder Singh to the Commissioner of Police, a case has been registered at the D Division police station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The police said the FIR was lodged on the complaint of the woman inspector and further investigation is underway.

Estate Officer Sushant Bhatia stated that the anti-encroachment drive in the city would continue and strict legal action would be taken against anyone obstructing government work.