Tensions flared on Saturday at Parshuram Chowk in Rishikesh, where local residents halted road construction work being carried out between Parshuram Chowk and Someshwar Nagar. Angry over the lack of transparency, locals seized machinery keys and workers’ belongings, demanding a copy of the official work order before allowing the project to proceed.
The situation escalated further when Mayor Shambhu Paswan arrived on-site. Protesters chanted slogans against him, and several women blocked his vehicle by standing in front of it. The scene turned more volatile as Congress worker Deepak Jatav and his supporters clashed with the mayor, leading to heated exchanges.
Some miscreants reportedly attempted to pelt stones at the mayor’s vehicle, prompting police from Kotwali to rush to the spot. Law enforcement officers managed to calm the crowd and safely escort the mayor out of the area.
Locals have long expressed dissatisfaction with the road project, raising concerns about transparency in issuing the work order, construction quality, and labor rights. Saturday’s protest highlighted the growing unrest and demand for accountability from civic authorities.
