Mumbai witnessed significant unrest on Wednesday as an anti-encroachment demolition drive in the Garib Nagar slum area of Bandra East escalated into violent protests. The situation led to clashes between locals and police personnel, with reports indicating that four policemen sustained injuries.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, the demolition drive, conducted by Western Railway as per court orders, targeted approximately 500 hutments spread across nearly 5,200 square metres of railway land. The drive, which is in its third consecutive day, aims to clear encroachments estimated to be worth around Rs 600 crore.
Tensions escalated on Wednesday afternoon when demolition teams moved to raze an illegal prayer structure near the Bandra (East) skywalk, which also reportedly housed a private telecom tower. This action prompted a gathering of protesters, who allegedly hurled stones, utensils, and other objects at the demolition squad and the police.
In response to the escalating violence, police resorted to a lathi-charge to disperse the unruly mob. Authorities have since registered a First Information Report (FIR) against 16 individuals for unlawful assembly, rioting, and assaulting government officials. Investigations are ongoing, and police have warned of stern legal action against those involved in the violence.
The clashes resulted in injuries to at least four police personnel and six protesters. The injured were treated at Bhabha Hospital and V N Desai Hospital. While some were discharged after medical attention, two individuals, including one policeman and one protester, were admitted and reported to be in stable condition.
The protests caused significant disruption, including the blocking of traffic in Bandra (East). Roads leading to Bandra Terminus were shut as a precautionary measure, forcing many passengers to walk with their luggage as vehicles were diverted or stopped at barricades.
The demolition drive commenced earlier in the week, with authorities having completed around 60% of the clearance work by the end of Wednesday. Security was tightened around Bandra station and Bandra terminus to maintain order.
The Chenab Times News Desk