Chandigarh Beopar Mandal, FOSWAC (Federation of Sector Welfare Associations Chandigarh), the Market Committee, Sector 19-C, and representatives of various other Market Committees across the city have strongly condemned a serious incident of violence and intimidation that occurred in Sector 19-C Market during civic improvement work being carried out by the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh.

The Municipal Corporation had undertaken replacement of damaged pavers in the market area to improve safety and convenience for traders and visitors. During the execution of this public work, shopkeepers requested a roadside vendor, Mr. Manphool, operating a Gol Gappa kiosk, to temporarily shift his stall to enable smooth completion of the work.

Although the vendor initially agreed, he later refused to cooperate and began using abusive language. He allegedly claimed an unlawful right to occupy public space and made baseless and irresponsible allegations against enforcement staff and police authorities.

 The situation escalated into a brutal act of violence when the vendor physically assaulted Mr. Vivek Jolly of M/s Bakshi Brothers (SCO No. 3), threatened him with a vegetable-cutting knife, and hurled a brick at him.
Mr. Vivek Jolly sustained serious injuries during the attack, including a fracture to his knee, and had to be provided immediate medical attention. The incident caused panic in the crowded market and posed a grave threat to public safety.

On receiving information about the incident, Mr. Sanjeev Chadha, President, Chandigarh Beopar Mandal, along with office bearers, immediately reached the spot. Mr. Baljinder Bittu, President, FOSWAC, and members of various Market Associations and Committees also assembled in solidarity with the affected traders.

Reacting strongly to the incident, Shri Sanjeev Chadha, President, Chandigarh Beopar Mandal, stated:

“This is a very serious and unacceptable incident. Traders fully support lawful vending, but violence, threats, and obstruction of government work will not be tolerated at any cost. No individual has the right to occupy public land illegally or take the law into his own hands. We demand strict and immediate action to ensure the safety of shopkeepers and the rule of law.”

Mr. Baljinder Bittu, President, FOSWAC, said:

“Such acts of aggression endanger not only traders but also residents and visitors. Civic development works are meant for public benefit, and anyone obstructing them through intimidation or violence must be dealt with firmly. Law-abiding citizens cannot be made to feel unsafe in their own markets.”

As a mark of protest against this criminal act and breakdown of law and order, shopkeepers across Sector 19-C Market downed their shutters. A formal complaint was subsequently lodged at Police Station, Sector 19, where the Station House Officer (SHO) Inspector Sarita Rai assured trader bodies that appropriate legal action will be taken.

The trader bodies jointly highlighted that several vendors in the area are blatantly violating provisions of the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, including:

• Encroachment beyond permitted space
• Illegal employment of workers, including minors (verified by police on the spot)
• Leaving carts and goods overnight in the market area
• Illegal storage of goods in parked vehicles
• Gross neglect of hygiene and public health norms

The trader bodies have appealed to the Chandigarh Administration, Municipal Corporation, Police Department, and Enforcement Agencies to take swift, strict, and exemplary action to restore discipline and ensure compliance with the law.