Shocking Turnaround: Mumbai Police Finally Charges BMC in Powai’s Jai Bhim Nagar Demolition Saga
Four months after declaring its intent to the Bombay High Court, the Mumbai police have charged senior officials from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the police for executing a demolition operation at Jai Bhim Nagar, Powai, during the monsoon season without necessary clearances. This action comes after a directive from the High Court, following a report by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) revealing that the demolitions were unauthorized.
On June 6, 2024, the BMC demolished nearly 500 allegedly unauthorized structures, claiming compliance with a State Human Rights Commission directive. However, activists highlighted a government resolution barring such actions during the monsoon. The demolition escalated into violence, with 35 people injured amid clashes, and nearly 60 arrests for assaulting officers.
These events prompted affected residents to petition the High Court, questioning the legality of the eviction. The court-ordered SIT found the demolitions were performed without an explicit order from the SHRC. Based on a complaint from resident Minabai Govind Limbole, an FIR was lodged against nine officials under various IPC sections, citing unwarranted force and property destruction during the eviction process.
Limbole detailed in her complaint that despite applying for utilities, residents received no responses from authorities. A notice to vacate within 48 hours was issued on June 3, 2024. On June 5, residents were summoned to a meeting, where they were urged to leave. The demolition commenced the following morning, involving police, BMC staff, and construction workers. Limbole alleged that builders’ employees initiated stone-pelting, leading to police retaliating against residents.
The petitioners have resided in Jai Bhim Nagar for nearly three decades, possessing documentation like electricity bills and Aadhaar cards to verify their residency. Despite pleas for more time, they returned to find their homes demolished, highlighting the chaos and allegations of misplaced responsibility during the incident.
Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/demolition-at-powais-jai-bhim-nagar-four-months-after-assuring-bombay-hc-mumbai-police-files-fir-against-bmc-police-personnel-9830847/
Category : Cities,Mumbai
Tags:
Publish Date: 2025-02-12 00:14:00
