Mangaluru: The Mangaluru Municipal Corporation (MCC) resumed its "Operation Tiger" to remove street vendors from areas near the MCC office and State Bank, citing encroachments. Revenue officials, accompanied by heavy police presence, dismantled stalls and confiscated fruits, vegetables, clothing, and other goods being sold on the roadside.

During the operation, tensions flared between MCC officials and street vendors, prompting social activist B.K. Imtiyaz to intervene. He criticized the authorities for conducting raids without prior notice and confiscating vendors' goods. Following heated discussions, officials returned the seized items but warned vendors not to set up stalls in the restricted area again.

MCC Commissioner Akshata K stated that 93 vendors from the 46th Cantonment Ward were allotted designated spaces, but only 37 relocated, while the rest continued operating in prohibited zones despite receiving eviction notices by January 27. Vendors, however, argued that the designated area lacks customer traffic, causing financial losses and security concerns. Imtiyaz urged the MCC to consider the hardships of small vendors and take a compassionate approach.