Balasore (Odisha) -28th, November 2025:
Tension erupted in Chandaneswar town of Bhograi block in Balasore district after locals reportedly demanded that shopkeepers from West Bengal vacate their businesses — in retaliation against the eviction of around 150 traders from Bhograi, who had been doing business in Digha.
The shopkeepers from West Bengal have been issued a three-day ultimatum to close their establishments and leave. The demand was formalised via a memorandum submitted to the local police stations, (Udaipur-Talasari Marine and Bhograi) the tehsildar. The memorandum called for removal of business establishments run by traders from West Bengal operating on government land or in unauthorised spaces.
According to residents of Balasore, many people from the district — especially from Bhograi — had earlier earned a living by running small businesses in Digha. They claim that recently, certain groups in Digha demanded eviction of Odia traders, prompting the eviction drive by the West Bengal administration on November 24, forcing about 150 Bhograi traders to return home.
Feeling aggrieved by the eviction, the affected Odia traders approached social organisations in Bhograi. These organisations attempted to negotiate with the Digha administration, but the talks reportedly failed as officials did not cooperate. As a result, the Odia traders — supported by social-worker Dillip Kamila — demanded that similar eviction action be taken against Bengal traders operating in Chandaneswar.
In response to the developing situation, the district administration of Balasore — represented by Additional District Magistrate Sudhakar Nayak — said they are “looking into the matter” & that necessary action will be taken to address the situation.
At present, the demand has heightened tension in the border-area town. It remains unclear whether the threatened eviction of Bengal traders will proceed and on what basis — application of law regarding unauthorised occupation, or as a retaliatory measure in response to the Digha eviction episode.
