MUMBAI: Seven policemen and six protesters sustained injuries, while 10 individuals were taken into custody after violence broke out on the second day of the anti-encroachment demolition drive at Garib Nagar, located on the eastern side of Bandra station. Police resorted to a lathicharge on Wednesday after a mob allegedly hurled stones, utensils, and other objects at demolition teams. The drive, conducted by Western Railway under court orders, aims to clear illegal structures. Authorities reported that approximately 60 percent of the clearance work had been completed by the end of the second day.
Sequence of Events
Demolition operations resumed at around 8 am on the second day and initially proceeded without incident. Tensions escalated around 3 pm when officials moved to demolish an illegal prayer structure near the Bandra (East) skywalk, where a private telecom tower had also been allegedly installed. The drive targets approximately 500 hutments spread across nearly 5,200 square meters of railway land, estimated to be worth around Rs 600 crore.
Security Measures and Legal Action
Authorities tightened security and sealed key roads around Bandra station and Bandra terminus. Nirmal Nagar police registered an FIR against the rioters for unlawful assembly, rioting, and assaulting government officials. The injured were treated at Bhabha Hospital and V N Desai Hospital. Two injured persons, including one policeman and one protester, were admitted and reported to be stable, while the others were discharged against medical advice. “Protesters blocked traffic, which was later cleared,” a Nirmal Nagar police officer said.
Additional Commissioner of Police (West Region) Abhinav Deshmukh warned of stern legal action against those involved in the violence.
Impact on Traffic and Commuters
The unrest triggered traffic congestion in Bandra (East), with roads leading to Bandra Terminus shut as a precautionary measure. Several passengers were forced to walk with their luggage after vehicles were diverted or stopped at barricades.
Background of the Demolition Drive
Proceedings began under the Public Premises Act before 2017, with eviction orders issued on November 27 of that year. The matter went to the High Court and Supreme Court. By an order on April 29 this year, upheld in further proceedings and by the Supreme Court, the High Court allowed the removal of unauthorized encroachments while protecting eligible structures.
About the Author: Manthan K Mehta has been a journalist since 1997 and is currently Assistant Editor at The Times of India, Mumbai. He covers a wide range of subjects, from insurance to local crimes and civic issues. Manthan reads and watches cricket matches in his free time.
