Mumbai Municipal Commissioner Takes Firm Action Following Mob Assault on BMC Team
In a decisive response to a violent incident, Mumbai Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani visited the Lokhandwala Circle area in Kandivli East on Sunday. This visit followed a mob attack on a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) team that was conducting a drive against unauthorized hawkers and encroachments on Saturday.
Commissioner's Directives for Immediate Action
Commissioner Gagrani issued strict directives to take action against all unauthorized hawkers in the area, as well as shopkeepers who create obstructions on footpaths. He personally ensured the removal of obstructions on footpaths and vehicles parked illegally on the road. In a notable move, Gagrani ordered the immediate shutdown of a pizza shop whose delivery two-wheelers were obstructing traffic movement.
Investigation Reveals Involvement of College Students
After it was brought to his attention that some local college students were part of the mob that attacked the civic team, Gagrani instructed officials to notify the respective colleges and take appropriate disciplinary action. This adds a concerning dimension to the incident, highlighting broader community involvement in the obstruction of civic duties.
Support for Assaulted Civic Employees
Gagrani met with the officers and employees from the civic action squad to enquire about their well-being following the traumatic event. He condemned the attack, stating that assaulting officers and employees who are performing their duties according to rules is utterly condemnable. The administration has taken serious cognizance of this incident, signaling a zero-tolerance approach to such violence.
Details of the Saturday Eviction Drive and Attack
The eviction action was carried out on Saturday by BMC's R-South ward at Vishwakarmane Chowk, also known as Lokhandwala Circle, in Kandivli. During the operation against unauthorized hawkers, the team was assaulted by a mob. The assailants not only attacked the officials but also vandalized equipment and vehicles, causing significant disruption and damage.
Commissioner Gagrani emphasized that the eviction action against unauthorized hawkers who obstruct traffic and pedestrian movement, as well as those carrying out unauthorized construction on footpaths, will continue unabated. This reaffirms the BMC's commitment to maintaining public order and safety.
Police Response and Arrests Made
In connection with the incident, Samta Nagar Police have arrested five individuals: Kuldeep Chudavat, Mahendra Singh Chudavat, Shaurya Charla, Jash Charla, and Aslam Shaikh. A case has been registered for unlawful assembly and assaulting public servants. Notably, while police personnel typically accompany BMC teams during such drives, they were not informed in advance in this particular case, which may have contributed to the severity of the attack.
This incident underscores the challenges faced by civic authorities in enforcing regulations in densely populated urban areas like Mumbai. The commissioner's proactive measures aim to restore authority and ensure that public spaces remain accessible and safe for all citizens.
