Mangaluru: Widespread outrage has erupted against the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) after its officials allegedly carried out an “inhuman” and illegal eviction drive, using a bulldozer to demolish the flower stalls of two differently-abled street vendors near Padil.
The incident occurred on the road opposite the Deputy Commissioner’s office, where Chandrahas and Sunitha had been operating their flower business for the past 12 years. The action triggered sharp criticism from street vendors’ organisations and social activists, who accused the civic body of violating the rights of vulnerable vendors and depriving them of their livelihood.
Vendors allege no prior notice was issued
Speaking to the media, Chandrahas, who has a 75 per cent physical disability, said the flower business was the sole source of income for his family.
“I have been running this roadside flower business for 12 years to support my family. I possess a valid vending certificate and identity card issued by the city corporation under the Street Vendors Act. The officials carried out the operation without issuing any prior notice or providing alternative arrangements,” he alleged.
Claiming that the action amounted to an atrocity against a differently-abled person, Chandrahas said the officials had trampled upon his fundamental right to livelihood.
He further alleged that despite possessing all the required documents, the authorities proceeded with the demolition without considering his disability or the consequences the action would have on his family.
Widow breaks down after losing only source of income
Another victim of the eviction drive, Sunitha, broke down in tears while narrating her ordeal.
A differently-abled widow who lost her husband to cancer, Sunitha said she had been struggling to run the small flower business to support her children and secure their future.
“I was somehow managing my family through this business. The officials showed absolutely no pity and ruthlessly destroyed my pushcart. By taking away my only source of livelihood, they have pushed my family onto the streets,” she said.
She alleged that the civic officials neither issued any notice nor provided an opportunity to shift the business elsewhere before carrying out the demolition.
The incident has sparked emotional reactions from local residents and vendors, many of whom questioned the necessity of using a bulldozer against small traders, particularly differently-abled persons.
Street vendors’ association condemns MCC action
Soon after the incident, a delegation led by B.K. Imtiyaz, honorary president of the Dakshina Kannada District Street Vendors Association affiliated to the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), visited the spot.
The delegation met the affected vendors, consoled them and assured them of full support in their fight to regain their means of livelihood.
Lashing out at the civic authorities, Imtiyaz said the city corporation frequently states that only those possessing valid vending certificates and identity cards would be permitted to conduct business.
“Yet, they have heartlessly targeted differently-abled vendors who hold these very documents. This is a clear violation of the law protecting street vendors and an injustice to people who are merely trying to earn an honest living,” he said.
Demand for action against officials
The association accused the officials of acting in a high-handed and insensitive manner without showing any compassion towards differently-abled vendors.
Imtiyaz demanded strict action against the officials responsible for the eviction drive and called upon the district administration to restore the vendors’ right to continue their business.
He also urged the authorities to provide immediate compensation and alternative arrangements for the affected families, arguing that depriving vulnerable persons of their livelihood without due process was unacceptable.
Association leaders Muzafar Ahmed, Santosh R.S. and Vijay Jain were also present during the spot visit.
The incident has reignited the debate over the implementation of the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act and the responsibilities of civic bodies towards vulnerable sections of society.
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