Amid heightened tensions in Mumbai following clashes during Ayodhya Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha celebrations, the city witnessed the demolition of ‘illegal’ constructions on Monday. Heavy security deployment accompanied the bulldozer action in the Mira Road area, mere hours after violence erupted. The clashes prompted a flag march by the police in the Naya Nagar area.
Bulldozers were deployed to dismantle the illegal structures in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) suburb. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had issued a warning of strict action against rioters a day earlier. Online visuals depicted a large team of police and security personnel escorting the vehicles of the Mira Bhaindar Municipal Corporation as they tore down makeshift stores and structures along the pavement. Prior notices had been served, instructing the removal of these illegal constructions.
The clashes that triggered this response occurred on the night of January 21, leading to the arrest of thirteen individuals. The scuffle erupted when members of the Hindu community raised slogans in the Naya Nagar area of Mira Road around 11 pm on Sunday.
A separate incident on Monday evening involved a stone-pelting attack on a procession passing through the Thane district. An unspecified number of procession participants and policemen providing security were injured in the assault.
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed his commitment to maintaining law and order in Maharashtra, stating, “Anyone trying to disrupt law and order in Maharashtra will not be tolerated.” He revealed that he had been in constant communication with the Mira-Bhyander Police Commissioner until the early hours of Monday. Thirteen individuals were detained in connection with the Naya Nagar incident, and efforts were underway to identify additional suspects through CCTV footage analysis.
Fadnavis urged residents not to succumb to rumors and assured that strict action would be taken against those attempting to disturb the peace. The situation remains under investigation as authorities work to identify and apprehend individuals involved in the clashes and subsequent incidents. The demolition of ‘illegal’ constructions is part of the broader effort to address issues contributing to the unrest in Mumbai.