Argus News - Aadhaar Card Pile Found During Salia Sahi Eviction

Bhubaneswar, Nov 18: A large-scale eviction drive in Bhubaneswar’s Salia Sahi has sparked tension after police recovered a huge pile of Aadhaar cards from one of the demolished houses.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the ownership of these cards and why they were stored in such large numbers. The eviction began early Tuesday morning under tight security arrangements. Bulldozers rolled into the settlement, razing houses built on encroached government land. The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) confirmed that 556 illegal houses were demolished during the operation.

To prevent unrest, 15 platoons of police were deployed at the site, along with senior officers including a DCP, zonal ACP, and inspectors from five police stations. Despite the heavy security, moments of tension flared as some residents attempted to resist the demolition. Police detained around 30 individuals who allegedly tried to obstruct the drive and create disturbances.

Also read: Odisha CM Issues Directives to District Collectors; Stresses Corruption-Free and Tech-Driven Governance

Eyewitnesses described scenes of despair as bulldozers flattened homes one after another, leaving families watching helplessly as their shelters turned to rubble. The eviction was carried out as part of the government’s ongoing effort to reclaim encroached land and restore order in the area.

The discovery of multiple Aadhaar cards has added a new dimension to the operation. Police officials said they will summon the individuals linked to the house where the cards were found and question them about the purpose of storing such documents. Investigators suspect possible misuse, and the matter is being treated seriously.

Authorities emphasized that strict measures were taken to ensure law and order during the eviction. The BMC stated that the reclaimed land will be used for planned development projects, while police continue to probe the Aadhaar card mystery.