Jhunjhunu/Nawalgarh: In a major pre-dawn administrative operation, authorities in Rajasthan’s Nawalgarh subdivision carried out a large-scale anti-encroachment drive on Wednesday at Parasrampura village, where alleged illegal construction had taken place in a river flow zone near a sports stadium.
The action, executed under heavy police deployment and in compliance with orders of the Rajasthan High Court, led to dramatic scenes after former state minister Dr. Rajkumar Sharma arrived at the site with hundreds of supporters to oppose the demolition.
Early Morning Bulldozer Action
According to officials, the administration launched the operation at dawn as part of a carefully planned strategy to avoid escalation. Bulldozers and JCB machines entered the stadium premises early in the morning and began demolishing the boundary wall constructed within the river’s natural flow area.
Authorities stated that the encroachment removal was mandatory following court directions regarding illegal structures obstructing the river channel.
To maintain law and order during the operation, nearly 400 police personnel were deployed across the area. Senior police and administrative officers closely monitored the demolition drive as tensions mounted between protesters and officials.
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Former Minister, Brother and Father Taken Into Custody
The situation became increasingly tense when former Medical State Minister Dr. Rajkumar Sharma, along with his supporters, reached the site and strongly opposed the action.
Police later detained Dr. Sharma and his brother Dr. Rajpal Sharma from the protest location.
In an emotional turn of events, Dr. Sharma’s elderly father Ramnivas Shastri also arrived at the site and reportedly insisted on being arrested alongside his family members. Officials said police persuaded him and shifted him into an ambulance before taking him into custody.
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According to the administration, nearly 200 people have been detained so far in connection with the protest and law-and-order arrangements.
Political Significance of Dr. Rajkumar Sharma
Dr. Rajkumar Sharma is considered one of the prominent political figures in Jhunjhunu district and has remained influential in the Nawalgarh region for years.
He has represented the Nawalgarh Assembly constituency multiple times and served as Minister of State for Medical and Health as well as advisor to former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot during the Congress government between 2009 and 2013.
In 2013, after being denied a Congress ticket, Dr. Sharma contested as an independent candidate and secured a major electoral victory despite political opposition from senior leader Sis Ram Ola.
However, in the 2023 Rajasthan Assembly elections, he contested on a Congress ticket but was defeated by BJP candidate Vikram Singh Jakhal.
Administration Defends Action
Officials maintained that the demolition drive was conducted strictly under legal directions and with full administrative preparedness.
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Dr. Ajay Arya stated that the encroachment was located within the river flow area, making its removal necessary under the High Court’s orders.
Meanwhile, Devendra Rajawat said the administration’s priority was to ensure peace and prevent any untoward incident during the operation.
Authorities confirmed that the situation currently remains under control, although police and administrative teams continue to remain on alert in the area.
The incident has sparked fresh political debate in the region, with supporters of the former minister questioning the timing and manner of the action, while officials insist the operation was purely a legal and environmental compliance measure.
