Siliguri, 07th August: A protest by local residents and a former councillor stalled an operation by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) against an alleged illegal construction near Siliguri Junction Railway Station on Friday.
According to reports, the RPF team reached Ward No. 01 near Siliguri Junction Railway Station following information about an alleged illegal construction on railway land. As officials prepared to begin the eviction drive, local residents and former councillor Sanjay Pathak staged a protest, leading to a tense situation.
As the situation escalated, the RPF called for additional force. Personnel from the Government Railway Police (GRP) and Pradhan Nagar Police Station also reached the spot.
After prolonged protests and arguments, the RPF team left the area without carrying out the eviction drive. The situation later returned to normal.
Former councillor Sanjay Pathak alleged that the Railway authorities failed to produce valid documents establishing ownership of the land and had not issued any prior notice before attempting the eviction. He termed the move arbitrary and said the protest would continue until the matter is resolved.