Tension engulfed the Dharavi slum on Saturday morning as hundreds of local residents opposed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) decision to demolish an alleged illegal portion of the Mehboob-E-Subhani mosque. The situation prompted a heavy deployment of police to maintain order and prevent any escalation.
According to police sources, a team of BMC officials from the G-North administrative ward arrived at 90 Feet Road around 9 AM to initiate the demolition. However, they were met with immediate resistance from a large gathering of local residents who blocked the officials from entering the lane leading to the mosque.
As the standoff continued, the protest grew, with hundreds of people assembling outside the nearby Dharavi police station. Demonstrators squatted on the road, voicing their opposition to the civic body’s actions and demanding that the demolition be halted.
To manage the unfolding situation, a significant police presence, described as “heavy bandobast,” was deployed, and officials confirmed that the situation is currently under control.
In an effort to resolve the issue, discussions are ongoing between a delegation from the mosque, BMC officials, and Dharavi Police. The outcome of these talks remains to be seen, as tensions in the densely populated area continue to simmer.
Dharavi, often cited as Asia’s largest slum, is no stranger to conflicts surrounding land use and community rights, making this latest incident a significant point of concern for local residents and authorities alike.
