Traders Clarify Allegations of Encroachment at Pandara Agricultural Produce Market Committee
Ranchi: Following allegations that certain shopkeepers at the Pandara Agricultural Produce Market Committee were utilizing land in excess of their allotted space, a correspondent from *M Bharat 24 News Live* spoke with the traders whose names appear of alleged encroachers. During the interactions, the majority of the traders refuted the encroachment charges, stating that they had merely made temporary arrangements for the sake of security and protection against the rain.
Rajesh Jain, the trader at Shop No. 11, stated that he personally bears the entire cost of the shop's expenses and maintenance, noting that the Market Committee pays no heed to these matters. He remarked, "The arrangements made for our own safety are being labeled as encroachment."
Gaurav Bhadani of Shop No. 12 explained that there used to be a bathroom located behind his shop, which had become a hotspot for theft incidents. With security concerns in mind, that specific area was sealed off.
Bhagwati Prasad Sarraf of Shop No. 13 asserted that he is conducting his business strictly within the confines of the space originally allotted to him and has not occupied a single extra inch of land. He explained that during the rainy season, water would seep into the warehouse through the windows, causing damage to the merchandise. Consequently, tin sheets were installed along the rear boundary wall to safeguard the goods.
The shopkeepers associated with Shop Nos. 14 and 15 were not present at their respective shops at the time of the visit.
Deepak Kumar Bhadani of Shop No. 16 stated that the physical condition of his shop remains exactly as it was at the time of its initial allotment. He further claimed that the Market Committee had, in fact, granted written permission for the installation of a shed.
Harsh, the operator of Shop No. 17, was present at the shop and informed the correspondent that his father was currently out of town.
Vikas Gupta of Shop No. 18 firmly denied that any form of encroachment had taken place. He explained that a shed was erected for security purposes due to the dilapidated condition of the boundary wall and the persistent occurrence of theft incidents. Echoing the sentiments of others, he remarked, "The measures we have taken to ensure our own safety are being misconstrued as encroachment." He added that the Market Committee is welcome to cross-check the premises against the original architectural blueprints; according to him, not a single inch of construction has been extended beyond the approved limits.
Bijendar Prasad of Shop No. 19 stated that there is a bathroom area located at the rear of the premises, and incidents of theft occur there frequently. He highlighted the shortage of security guards within the market complex, the congregation of drug addicts, and the lack of action taken regarding complaints. He further mentioned that his shop has been burgled three times, yet no stolen goods have been recovered to date. He also noted that while water facilities were available previously, they are no longer functional.
Pankaj Kumar of Shop No. 21 asserted that he is operating strictly within his allotted space and has not made any alterations whatsoever.
Anand Kumar of Shop No. 22 also refuted the allegations of encroachment, stating that his shop remains exactly as it was originally—unchanged—and has not been expanded by even a single inch.
The traders contend that due to the lack of security, proper drainage, and basic amenities within the market complex, they have been compelled to make temporary arrangements for their own safety—arrangements which are now being mischaracterized as encroachment.
