Fri Nov 08 16:28:00 UTC 2024: ## Villagers Clash with Police Over Encroachment Removal in Erode
**Erode, November 8, 2024:** A tense standoff erupted in Koolivalasu village near Anthiyur on Friday as revenue officials, backed by police, removed encroachments on a cart road. Over 100 villagers who opposed the action were detained by police.
The dispute stems from a 20-foot wide cart road, spanning 500 meters, which provides access to the land of Arjunan, a farmer from Koothampoondi village. Arjunan, whose seven-acre property is located in Koolivalasu, had filed a petition in the Madras High Court three years ago seeking removal of the encroachments that prevented him from cultivating his land.
The High Court ordered the Revenue Department to clear the road, but the officials failed to act. Arjunan then filed a contempt petition, leading the court to reiterate its order.
On Friday, a team of revenue officials, led by Anthiyur Tahsildar Kaviyarasu, and police personnel arrived at Koolivalasu to enforce the court order. However, a large group of villagers gathered, opposing the eviction. Despite warnings from the officials about the necessity of implementing the court order, villagers entered into an altercation with the police.
Over 100 villagers were detained by police and taken to a nearby marriage hall. Following the removal of the villagers, the encroachments were cleared.
First Piper 