Thane: Civic workers attacked during anti-encroachment drive; 17 booked

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Police have registered a case against 17 hawkers for allegedly attacking staff members of the Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation (MBMC) during an anti-encroachment drive in Maharashtra's Thane district, an official said on Sunday, reported news agency PTI.

The civic officials and workers accompanied by local police undertook the task of removing encroachments by hawkers in Shanti Nagar locality under the MBMC limits on January 4, reported PTI.

However, the hawkers allegedly abused the civic staff and assaulted them. Some persons who tried to intervene and rescue the civic staff were also attacked, the official from Nayanagar police station said, reported PTI.

Those injured in the attack underwent treatment at local hospitals.

A case was registered against the accused under relevant provisions, the police said, reported PTI.

In October 2023 also, hawkers protested against an anti-encroachment drive in the same locality.

In another case, a 23-year-old man was allegedly beaten up by a fruit shop owner and his family members after he demanded return of Rs 2,000 he had lent to him in Thane district of Maharashtra, police said on Sunday, reported PTI.

The incident took place on January 3 in Ganeshpuri area.

The victim, employed as a teacher in a college in Bhiwandi, went to the accused's shop and demanded return of the money, reported PTI.

Later, the fruit shop owner, his parents and sister went to the victim's house. They expressed displeasure over his repeated demand for the repayment and allegedly beat him up, an official from Ganeshpuri police station said, reported PTI.

Some neighbours intervened and rescued the victim, who suffered injuries in the attack, he said, adding the accused fled from the spot, reported PTI.

A case was registered against the four accused under various Indian Penal Code sections, including 324 (voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapon or means), 452 (house-trespass after preparation for hurt, assault, or wrongful restraint), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), 506 (criminal intimidation) and 34 (common intention), the police said, reported PTI.

Meanwhile, police have arrested three Bangladeshi nationals for allegedly staying illegally in Maharashtra's Palghar district, an official said on Sunday, reported PTI.

(With inputs from PTI)