Jagdeo Path on Bailey Road turned into a battleground on Monday afternoon after a large group of Musahar community members allegedly attacked a police team carrying out an anti-encroachment drive.

The team, along with district administration officials, reached the area around 12.30pm to conduct the drive.

"Slum dwellers had encroached on public land. The anti-encroachment drive was going on smoothly, when suddenly some slum residents started raising anti-administration slogans. The police and the administration tried to pacify them but they turned violent. They started pelting stones on the police team, forcing it to retreat. Five police personnel, including a woman constable, suffered moderate injuries in the clash," said a police officer.

The cop said reinforcements had to be called in to contain the situation and police used mild force and lathicharge.

"The police and administrative team eventually succe-eded removing the encroachments from the area," said the officer.

Onlookers said the clash broke out all of a sudden.

"This place is volatile. These people have clashed with the police several times in the past also. It was peaceful for a while until suddenly some people, including women, rushed and started pelting stones on the police. The area buzzes with traffic and passers-by had to flee for cover. It took more than an hour to bring the situation back to normal. Few of the protesters could be arrested," said Satish Kumar, who runs a tea-stall in the area.

Patna senior superintendent of police Vikas Vaibhav said 23 people involved in the attack had been arrested.

"The police are taking necessary measures to impose the rule of law in the area. Necessary action is being taken. We are in the process of identifying each and every accused. Till now, 23 people have been nabbed and others involved in the incident are being identified," said the senior superintendent of police.