Indore’s Ranipura Encroachment Drive Sparks Protest, Traders Attempt Road Blockade As IMC Clears 60-70 Shops

Indore's Ranipura area experienced a tense municipal removal drive on Monday. Shopkeepers clashed with Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) staff over the removal of encroachments and temporary structures outside their shops. The IMC arrived with removal staff and police personnel to clear the temporary partitions and raised platforms, known as otlas, which disrupted traffic and pedestrian movement.

The operation covered the stretch from Ranipura towards the Sanjay Setu Bridge, where tensions rose as shopkeepers objected to the action. The removal team cleared around 60 to 70 shops and eight to 10 kiosks. The situation escalated into a road blockade attempt by shopkeepers, who attempted to force shops to shut and block Ranipura Road.

Police intervened, moving protesters and restoring traffic. The removal drive was later extended to Jail Road. IMC building officer Ankesh Birtharia explained that Ranipura experiences heavy traffic and the removal drive was undertaken following directions from the Municipal Commissioner and Police Commissioner. The city council had conducted multiple public announcements and advised shopkeepers to remove temporary structures.

Birtharia noted that the structures reduced available road and footpath space, causing traffic congestion and pedestrian obstruction. Police personnel from Tukoganj, Central Kotwali, and MG Road stations remained deployed to maintain law and order.