Man sets self on fire to protest against BMC’s anti-encroachment drive

Bhopal: Tension erupted in the 10 Number Market on Saturday when a trader set himself ablaze in protest against an anti-encroachment operation led by the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC). The man, who suffered serious burn injuries, was rushed to a hospital and is receiving treatment. According to officials, BMC team, headed by Encroachment Officer Srishti Bhadauria, had arrived to clear unauthorized structures. During the drive, one shopkeeper—reportedly running a lemon-water stall—poured a flammable liquid over himself and ignited it. Bystanders quickly intervened, extinguished the flames, and transported him to medical care. An inquiry into the matter has been initiated. Members of the trading community claim the enforcement action unfairly targets specific shops while sparing others. They have demanded that future drives be conducted in a transparent and impartial manner.Encroachment Officer Bhadauria expressed shock at the incident, noting it was the first of its kind during her tenure. She explained that the stall in question had been repeatedly asked to vacate the area over the past 10 days, as the location is designated for parking. She added that similar actions have been carried out in the area previously.