In Thiruvananthapuram, a heavy police presence accompanied the corporation staff on Tuesday as they forcibly evicted traders and demolished around 25 shops at the century-old Connemara Market in Palayam. Traders accused the authorities of throwing out goods from their shops and condemned the demolition of operational stalls without providing proper rehabilitation.

This demolition is part of a ₹55-crore redevelopment project under the Smart City Mission aiming to modernize the market’s infrastructure. However, the traders argue the corporation’s action violates a High Court order that mandates adequate safety and infrastructure at temporary resettlement sites before eviction.

“We resisted the corporation’s attempt, but with 200 policemen present, we couldn’t stop them. It’s a cruel act. We will take the matter to court again and refuse to move into the new facility,” said Rajas J, secretary of the Palayam Connemara Merchants Association.

The association called for a complete shutdown and led a protest march to the corporation office, joined by families and supporters. Though a temporary facility with three prefabricated blocks to house 460 traders has been constructed behind the market, many vendors claim they have yet to receive their new allotments.

A senior official said the corporation had to act after traders repeatedly refused to relocate despite multiple warnings, assuring that all would be properly rehabilitated.

Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi state president S S Manoj denounced the demolition as “inhumane and lawless,” criticizing the forced eviction into unsafe premises and alleging misuse of forged affidavits to mislead courts. He called for respect of legal procedures and empathy for traders and consumers alike.

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