Allegations of illegal extortion have surfaced from small vendors operating temporary shops, carts, and hawker stalls on 16 feet of land cleared after an anti-encroachment drive in Suryagarha main market, Lakhisarai district. Small business owners claim that permanent shopkeepers and landlords are demanding money to allow them to set up their stalls, threatening to remove them if they refuse to pay. Following these complaints, the Suryagarha police station administration has taken strict action.

On Saturday, Sub-Inspector Nityanand Singh conducted a public announcement (miking) in the market, issuing necessary instructions to shopkeepers and street vendors. Prior to Durga Puja, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) had conducted an anti-encroachment drive in Suryagarha market. During the Durga Puja fair, local administration had verbally permitted street vendors and small businesses to set up temporary stalls at their request.

After the peaceful conclusion of the fair, the administration has intensified efforts to improve traffic management and prevent encroachment in the market. As part of this, the police administration warned those setting up shops on the road that violations would lead to fines and legal action. The complaints of alleged extortion for setting up shops on the 16-foot encroachment-free land were also taken seriously. SI Nityanand Singh verbally instructed the concerned shopkeepers to adhere to the rules.

The administration's action has brought hope to small businesses that they will be able to operate in designated areas without facing illegal extortion. However, it is crucial to clarify the approved arrangement and conditions for setting up shops on the 16-foot land to avoid future disputes. The administration now faces the challenge of balancing keeping the market encroachment-free, alleviating traffic congestion, and ensuring the livelihood of small vendors.