THE real estate developers gheraoed Durg Collectorate on Monday to protest the steep hike in land guideline rates. During their demonstration the situation escalated, prompting police to resort to lathi charge. Land traders were chased and beaten on the streets. Many protesters were injured during the protest. Police detained a large number of protesters. As per information, a large number of real estate developers and land dealers gathered on Monday to protest the steep hike in land guideline rates. Carrying black balloons and black flags, they marched on foot towards the Collectorate. Traders say the new rates have made land and house registration extremely expensive, leading to shutdown of their business.

 

Upon receiving news of the protest, police increased security in the area. Police from six police stations were deployed outside the Collectorate and Registrar’s office. Amidst the protests, Congress also protested against the government, brandishing black flags. Main roads leading to the Collectorate had already been blocked. As soon as the protesters reached Patel Chowk, police tried to stop them from proceeding. Despite repeated attempts to persuade them, the crowd remained adamant. Tensions escalated when some people threw water pouches at the police while trying to stop the crowd. After this, pushing and shoving started between the two sides. Seeing the situation deteriorating, the police resorted to lathi charge to disperse the crowd.

 

During this, several protesters were injured and had to be taken to the hospital. The police have also arrested 7-8 people. During the protest, Congress workers burned effigies of the government and police administration and raised slogans against the government. Regarding the protest, Durg police stated that they used mild force to disperse the protesters. The situation is currently under control. Additional SP Sukhnandan Rathore said that the protesters took out a procession without permission and tried to block the road at Patel Chowk. He said that despite repeated persuasion, the crowd did not listen. The situation worsened when some people in the crowd threw water pouches on police as such force had to be used. The police have registered cases against them for obstructing government work and blocking the road.