Eviction begins at 70-year-old Manas Bhawan settlement:Polytechnic Square sealed under heavy security, Congress protests continue

An eviction drive to clear a nearly 70-year-old settlement near Polytechnic Square in Bhopal began on Saturday. Authorities sealed the area with barricades, restricting all movement in and around the locality. Police cordoned off the entire stretch, especially the road connecting Polytechnic Square to the Chief Minister’s residence, turning the area into a high-security zone. Congress leaders stage overnight protest Opposition leaders from the Indian National Congress staged a sit-in protest late Friday night against the eviction. Former minister PC Sharma and Leader of Opposition Shabista Zaki were among those present. During the protest, a young man climbed a tower in an apparent act of defiance. Police officials later persuaded him to come down safely. Residents vacate homes, hand over responsibility to police Residents locked their homes and vacated the area, entrusting the safety of their belongings to the police. A total of 27 families are being relocated to alternative sites, including Bhanpur, Kalkheda, and Malikhedi. The eviction marks the clearing of a settlement that has existed for nearly seven decades. See Photos Large-scale administrative action Around 95 officials and staff members have been deployed to carry out the eviction process smoothly. Authorities have implemented strict security arrangements to prevent any disruption. Barricades have been installed across key access points, and entry has been restricted for both media personnel and the general public. Tight security, water cannons deployed In anticipation of further protests, water cannons have been deployed as a precautionary measure. Police are maintaining constant surveillance to manage the situation and respond swiftly to any unrest. The administration stated that the operation is being conducted under tight security to ensure law and order while executing the clearance of the settlement.