Traders at Pandara Agricultural Produce Market Committee Present Their Arguments: Encroachment or a Compulsion for Security
Ranchi: The issue of alleged encroachment at the Pandara Agricultural Produce Market Committee continues to remain a subject of constant discussion. While the names of several traders are recorded in the market committee's list of encroachers, no concrete action has been taken against any trader thus far.
To investigate the matter, a team from *M Bharat 24 News Live* arrived at ground zero and began interacting with the traders named in the list. The traders responded to the allegations, each in their own way.
According to reports, traders occupying shop numbers 1 through 10 were originally allotted a warehouse/shop space measuring 920 square feet. The list notes that these traders have expanded their shops by encroaching upon approximately 405 square feet of space towards the rear.
What Did the Traders Say?
Shop No. 01
The son of Rajesh Kumar Kanodia stated that his father is currently unwell and has recently undergone surgery; therefore, only his father would be able to provide information regarding matters related to the shop.
Shop No. 02
Chandramohan Chaudhary declined to meet with the team or offer any form of comment on the matter.
Shop No. 03
Bishnu Shankar Saboo asserted that he has not committed any encroachment. According to him, "The shop is operating solely within the space originally allotted to us; there is no instance of expansion whatsoever."
Shop No. 04
Surendra Prasad stated: "We remain strictly within the boundaries allotted to us. Not a single brick has been added beyond that limit. If the original allotment map is consulted, the truth will become evident."
Shop No. 05
Pankaj Kumar's father, Kishan Kumar Saboo, said: "We have not encroached upon any land. Since thefts were occurring from the rear side, we installed a shed over the boundary wall purely for security purposes. Now, should this be termed an encroachment or a measure for security?"
Shop No. 06
The location of the shop belonging to Nemichand Jain, Madanlal Jain, and Chhote Lal Jain could not be ascertained.
Shop No. 07
M.K. Mittal stated: “We have not committed any encroachment whatsoever. The premises remain exactly as they have been for years. A shed was installed at the rear specifically to prevent theft.”
Shop No. 08
We were unable to meet with Binda Singh.
Shop No. 09
The exact location of Pradeep Tulsyan’s shop could not be ascertained.
Shop No. 10
Harendra Singh said: “When I first acquired the shop, there were already cracks in the boundary wall. During the rainy season, water would seep into the storeroom because the drainage channel remained clogged. Our merchandise would get ruined by the water; consequently, I repaired the wall and installed a shed myself. Since the wall was damaged and incidents of theft were occurring, it became essential to install an overhead shed to ensure security.”
The M Bharat 24 News Live team will continue to interact with other shopkeepers in an effort to get to the bottom of this matter.
