Mumbai: A tense situation unfolded in the Govandi Nagar area of Mumbai on Wednesday during the second day of an anti-encroachment drive carried out by Western Railway in Bandra East.
According to officials, the operation was launched to remove alleged encroachments from railway land. During the drive, authorities demolished several structures, including houses and two mosques reportedly identified as unauthorized constructions.
The demolition triggered protests from local residents, who gathered in large numbers to oppose the action. The situation later escalated as incidents of stone pelting were reported during the protest.
Police personnel deployed in the area resorted to a lathi-charge to bring the situation under control after clashes broke out between protesters and security forces. Several local residents and police personnel reportedly sustained injuries during the confrontation.
Officials stated that the action was part of an ongoing campaign to clear railway land of encroachments and ensure safety around railway infrastructure.
However, many residents alleged that the administration carried out the demolition without providing sufficient notice or alternative rehabilitation arrangements. The protesters claimed that the sudden action led to anger and unrest among affected families.
Following the clashes, heavy police deployment has been made in the area to prevent further violence and maintain law and order. Authorities said the situation is currently under control, though security personnel continue to monitor the locality closely.
The incident has once again brought attention to the challenges surrounding encroachment removal drives in densely populated urban areas, where issues of rehabilitation and public safety often lead to tensions between authorities and local communities.
