An anti-encroachment drive is currently underway in Hathras district of Uttar Pradesh, during which a video showing alleged threats by a senior municipal official to street vendors has gone viral on social media.
The video reportedly features Vikas Kumar, Executive Officer (EO) of the Sadabad Nagar Panchayat, allegedly threatening shopkeepers during the drive. In the clip, he is heard saying, “We will beat you all up and drive you away from here. If you come in front of me, you will be beaten first.”
On Monday, the Nagar Panchayat, along with the Braj Bhoomi Expressway administration, launched an anti-encroachment operation and issued directions to remove illegal structures from the highway tracks. During the process, an altercation reportedly broke out between EO Vikas Kumar and several shopkeepers who were reluctant to remove the encroachments.
In the viral video, the EO is further heard warning vendors to clear the area immediately, saying that nothing should be visible from the next day. He allegedly threatened to seal shops, throw away belongings, and register cases if anyone obstructed government work.
“There should be nothing visible here from tomorrow. If you come again, you will be beaten and chased away,” he is heard saying in the video.
So far, no official statement has been issued by the Sadabad Nagar Panchayat or the town council regarding the incident or the viral video. The matter has drawn public attention, with questions being raised over the conduct of officials during enforcement drives.
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