Begusarai: District Magistrate (DM) Tushar Singla was held hostage by angry slum dwellers for an hour during his inspection of the Begusarai Museum on Thursday. The protest erupted as residents of the slum near Lohia Nagar Gumti, close to the railway station, resisted an eviction drive led by railway authorities.
The eviction, which involved the removal of around 150 huts using JCB machines, was halted following the uproar. The slum dwellers, comprising men and women, surrounded the DM’s vehicle, stopping him from leaving and protesting against the demolition.
Upon receiving information, Superintendent of Police Maneesh, along with senior district officials and police forces from nearby stations, rushed to the scene. After calming the situation and dispersing the crowd, the DM’s escort vehicle was discreetly taken out under heavy security. The nameplate of the DM’s car was covered with paper as a precaution.
Residents of the slum expressed their anger, stating that they had lived in the area for 40-50 years. They alleged that the railway authorities issued a short-notice eviction order without offering alternative arrangements.
“We have been living here for decades. The government cannot just ask us to vacate without ensuring proper rehabilitation,” said one of the protesting women. Slum dwellers demanded that the district administration resettle them before initiating any eviction process.
The protesters criticized both state and central governments, accusing them of ignoring their plight after elections. “Nitish Kumar and the Modi government only come for votes but fail to make arrangements for us,” one protester said.
Sadar Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Rajiv Kumar addressed the situation, stating that the administration is engaging with the residents to resolve the issue amicably. “We understand their concerns, and we are working on a solution,” said the SDO.
The eviction drive has been temporarily suspended, and discussions are ongoing to address the demands of the slum dwellers while balancing the railway’s plans for clearing the encroachment.
