- Shopkeepers went on strike, market closed
Chronicle Reporter, Katni
Frustrated by rising crime, drug abuse, illegal gambling, and rampant hooliganism, residents of Madhav Nagar staged a complete shutdown today. Shops remained closed as locals and traders united in protest against the growing menace of anti-social elements and the failure of law enforcement.
For months, residents have been grappling with illegal liquor dens, gambling rackets, and drug peddling spreading across neighborhoods. Locals claim that outsiders have disrupted the peace, harassing citizens and engaging in open criminal activities. The unchecked rise in bootlegging and betting rings has pushed many young people into addiction and financial ruin.
Despite repeated complaints, police action has been minimal, prompting today’s strike. Business owners and community representatives marched to submit a memorandum to the
Superintendent of Police and the local MLA, demanding immediate intervention and strict measures against lawbreakers.
Since morning of Friday, Madhav Nagar’s usually bustling marketplace has remained completely shut, reflecting the intensity of public outrage. The residents are now awaiting a response from authorities, emphasizing that if strong action is not taken, the protests will only intensify.