Clash Over Encroachments: Civic Officials Attacked in Vasai Virar

A team from the Vasai Virar City Municipal Corporation was allegedly attacked by locals in Palghar district while taking action against encroachments. Led by Deputy Municipal Commissioner Ajit Muthe, the team faced resistance and a heated argument ensued, leading to the attack. An FIR was filed with the police.

A team from the anti-encroachment department of the Vasai Virar civic body in Maharashtra was allegedly attacked by locals in Palghar district, according to officials on Thursday.

The incident occurred on Wednesday when the team, led by a senior official of the Vasai Virar City Municipal Corporation, visited the area to address encroachments and demolish unauthorized structures, said a civic spokesman.

Deputy Municipal Commissioner Ajit Muthe and his team were at Sashtikar Pada in the Kaman-Koman locality in Vasai when a heated argument with occupants escalated, resulting in the officials being thrashed. The civic team reported the incident at the Naigaon police station, where an FIR under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) has been registered. The injured officials received first aid at a hospital, and a video of the attack went viral on social media.

(With inputs from agencies.)