Tension prevailed at Unit-1 Market in Bhubaneswar on Thursday after a team from the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) arrived to carry out an anti-encroachment drive.
During the enforcement operation, two groups reportedly came face to face, leading to a heated exchange and a tense atmosphere in the busy market area. Police personnel from Capital Police Station rushed to the spot and attempted to pacify those involved to prevent escalation.
The unrest is believed to be linked to a recent fire incident that damaged a portion of the market. Several shopkeepers alleged that the blaze was an act of arson and accused traders from the opposite side of the market of deliberately setting the fire.
A local resident alleged that an individual identified as Anuj Pradhan was seen recording videos of the area and reportedly claimed he was sending them to BMC officials. Some traders questioned why enforcement officials did not document the situation directly. Allegations have also surfaced accusing the individual of past disputes related to trader licensing issues. However, these claims remain unverified, and no official confirmation has been issued regarding his involvement in the fire incident.
Amid the unrest, a woman was reportedly seen climbing over a gate and entering a nearby residence, which sources identified as belonging to the individual named in the allegations.
Although the BMC enforcement team was present during the tension, no senior civic officials had reached the site at the time of reporting. No official reaction was immediately available from BMC authorities, the accused individual, or the police regarding the allegations.
