Tension Erupts in Mumbai’s Bandra After Mosque Demolition During Anti-Encroachment Drive
According to reports, the situation escalated on May 20 when a three-storey mosque was also demolished. Authorities maintained that the mosque had been constructed on railway property and was therefore removed along with other structures.
Tension prevailed in Mumbai’s Bandra East area after Western Railway authorities demolished a mosque and several nearby structures during an anti-encroachment drive, claiming that the constructions were illegally built on railway land.
The demolition drive was carried out on May 19 in the Gareeb Nagar slum area following directions from the Bombay High Court. Officials stated that around 500 illegal huts located near the eastern side of Bandra railway station were razed during the operation.
Western Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Vineet Abhishek said nearly 60 percent of the encroachments had been cleared so far. More than 1,000 security personnel, including Mumbai Police, Railway Protection Force, and Government Railway Police staff, were deployed at the site.
According to reports, the situation escalated on May 20 when a three-storey mosque was also demolished. Authorities maintained that the mosque had been constructed on railway property and was therefore removed along with other structures.
Soon after news of the demolition spread, a large number of local Muslims gathered at the site and staged protests against the action. Protesters alleged that no prior notice or proper intimation had been given before the demolition.
The situation turned tense after Mumbai Police resorted to a lathi-charge on demonstrators, including women. Nirmal Nagar Police Inspector Ramesh Wagh claimed that police acted after locals allegedly resorted to stone pelting. He said 15 people had been arrested so far.
Meanwhile, several videos circulating on social media show police personnel using force on elderly individuals as well. One viral clip allegedly shows a police officer hitting an elderly woman on the head, triggering criticism over the police response.
Heavy police deployment continues in the area as tensions remain high. Local residents and social organisations have demanded a transparent inquiry into the incident.
