Scuffle between vendors, guards on Kartavya Path in Delhi, 5 injured

The council has permitted authorised vendors and ice-cream trolley vendors to operate only in earmarked zones along the Kartavya Path, with vendors distributed in each of the six designated locations

A scuffle broke out at Children’s Park near the newly-developed Kartavya Path on Tuesday between private security guards and street vendors over the enforcement of the no-vending zone in the area, leading to injuries to five people.

Steet vendors at the Mansingh Road crossing at Kartavya Path in New Delhi on Wednesday. (Vipin Kumar/HT Photo)

New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) vice-chairman Satish Upadhyay said, “A scuffle took place when the area was being cleared. These were security guards hired by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD). NDMC is a law-enforcing authority and we appeal to people to cooperate with the enforcement agencies. If they face any issues, they can complain to NDMC but should not take law in their hands.”

The council has permitted authorised vendors and ice-cream trolley vendors to operate only in earmarked zones along the Kartavya Path, with vendors distributed in each of the six designated locations -- south of C-Hexagon, north of C-Hexagon, the left and right sides of Man Singh Road; and south and north side of Rafi Marg.

Upadhyay said the Central Vista has high footfall, so more and more vendors want to come to this area, but NDMC cannot allow unregulated activity.

Deputy commissioner of police (New Delhi) Pranav Tayal said that a PCR call was received regarding a scuffle at Children’s Park.

“The India Gate stretch is no-vending zone. Some vendors got angry over this issue and at around 3.30pm, when an NDMC truck was trying to load the vendors’ materials, some of them started pelting construction materials on the guards, due to which five guards sustained injuries,” Tayal said.

Delhi Police has registered and FIR and investigation is being taken up, the police officials said.