Bhubaneswar, May 19 -- A major eviction drive was carried out in the Kalarahanga area of Patia in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday as authorities demolished illegal houses and shops allegedly built on government land. The joint operation was conducted by the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA), Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), and the General Administration Department.

More than 50 houses and shops were reportedly razed during the drive using bulldozers. Tension prevailed in the area as several residents staged protests against the eviction. Some protestors allegedly brought sickles, knives, and other sharp weapons while opposing the demolition process.

Residents claimed that while the government had issued notices about a month ago, ...