The BMC action on an alleged "illegal portion" of a mosque in the Dharavi area of Mumbai in Maharashtra would not take place on Saturday (September 21) and a petition will be filed in the court against the authorities' move. The authorities have given an 8-day time to the mosque. This comes after a large number of people from the Muslim community staged a protest in the Dharavi area where the BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) officials arrived to demolish the alleged "illegal portion" of a mosque this morning. Heavy police force was deployed to ensure law and order as the officials tried to calm the situation.
BMC arrives to take action on 'illegal structure'
The Mahbuba-e-Subhani mosque in Dharavi, Mumbai, has an alleged illegal structure, to demolish which the BMC arrived this morning. Ahead of the BMC’s action, a significant number of people from the Muslim community gathered near the mosque. BMC officials first reported to the Dharavi police station, followed by discussions between members of the community. The senior inspector of Dharavi police station also visited the site and attempted to mediate and explain the situation to the protesting people. The Maulanas (Islamic scholars) appealed to people to maintain peace.
"BMC had issued a notice to the concerned to remove the construction of the encroached mosque on the 90 feet road in Dharavi. Also action was taken according to this notice. However, BMC administration should give a deadline of 4-5 days to remove the encroached construction from the said place. The trustees of the mosque have submitted a written request to the Deputy Commissioner of Circle 2 of the BMC and the Assistant Commissioner of G North Division that the construction will be removed on its own during this period. The BMC has accepted the request after the concerned have written a request to remove the construction on their own. It is clarified by the municipal administration that the trustees have also been instructed to remove the encroached construction within the stipulated time," the BMC said.
Petition to be filed in court against demolition
The people from the mosque announced from the police station that the BMC's demolition action will not take place today. The BMC has given an 8-day time. A petition will be filed in court against the demolition action.
Milind Deora and Varsha Gaikwad meet CM Shinde
Milind Deora and Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad met with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde over the latest action and requested him to halt the BMC move. They discussed the law and order situation, urging him to intervene in the matter. Both leaders also suggested that the CM issue directives to BMC.
