Locals protest outside temple during encroachment drive

THE removal of a grille encroaching upon the footpath near a temple in east Delhi’s Mandawali on Thursday led to protests by locals, following rumours that the authorities were demolishing the temple.

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The anti-encroachment drive was carried out by the PWD here, police said, adding the grille was removed peacefully in the heavy police presence.

When the authorities were carrying out the exercise, some protesters lay down on the road and raised slogans against the drive. Some women with sticks in their hands also joined the protest to express their displeasure. The protest also led to traffic congestion in the area which was later brought under control, police said, and denied the allegations that the protesters were detained.