Illegal construction triggers protest in Newtown, agitators burn effigy on Biswa Bangla Sarani

Tension gripped Newtown on Sunday after protests broke out over allegations of illegal construction on a water body in the Panchuria area. Demonstrators blocked Biswa Bangla Sarani and raised slogans, leading to major disruption in the area as anger over the alleged encroachment continued to grow.

According to locals, an influential individual named Chandra Hathi has been accused of carrying out construction by filling up water bodies in the region. Residents claim that repeated complaints had been made about the alleged encroachment for a long time, but no action was taken. They also alleged that those who raised objections were repeatedly targeted with false cases. The protest intensified when a group of residents gathered on the road and staged a blockade, carrying effigies bearing the photograph of the accused. The demonstration soon turned chaotic, with large crowds assembling at the site and raising slogans against the alleged illegal construction.

Police from the Technocity police station reached the spot to control the situation as the protest escalated. During the agitation, a protester poured kerosene on himself in front of police personnel, creating panic at the scene. After prolonged efforts, police managed to bring the situation under control and clear the road, while residents continued to demand action against those responsible for the alleged encroachment.