Mumbai demolition drive turns violent: FIR filed against 10 after stone-pelting during anti-encroachment action injures cops

Tension gripped Mumbai’s Bandra East area after an anti-encroachment demolition drive near the railway station spiralled into violence on Wednesday, triggering stone-pelting, clashes and injuries to multiple police personnel deployed at the site. Following the unrest, Mumbai Police today registered an FIR at Nirmal Nagar Police Station against 10 identified accused persons and several others under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The violence erupted during a demolition operation carried out in the Garib Nagar locality of Bandra East, where authorities had launched action against alleged illegal encroachments and unauthorised structures. Officials said the drive was being conducted in compliance with court directions and official orders linked to the anti-encroachment exercise.

Advertisement

According to police officials, a large security deployment had been made in the area to prevent any law-and-order disturbance during the demolition process. Personnel from the Mumbai Police, Railway Protection Force (RPF), Home Guards and other departments were stationed at the site as authorities began removing structures.

As the operation progressed, a crowd of nearly 100 to 150 people reportedly gathered and began protesting against the demolition drive. Police officials said repeated announcements were made requesting residents and protesters to remain calm and cooperate with authorities.

However, the situation allegedly escalated after several individuals in the crowd turned aggressive and attempted to obstruct the operation. The FIR stated that slogans were raised and unrest broke out near the demolition site, leading to chaos in the locality.

Several police personnel got injured

Officials alleged that stones and other objects were hurled at police and security personnel deployed during the operation, resulting in injuries to several officers. The violence created panic in the area as police teams attempted to regain control of the situation.

Following the clashes, police used mild force to disperse the crowd and detained multiple persons from the spot. Injured personnel were later provided medical treatment.

Probe underway

The FIR filed at Nirmal Nagar Police Station invoked charges related to unlawful assembly, rioting, assault on public servants, obstruction of government officials from discharging duty and damage to public property.

Mumbai Police said 10 identified accused persons and several others have been booked in connection with the violence. Officials added that efforts are underway to identify additional individuals allegedly involved in the stone-pelting and disruption during the demolition drive.

Investigators are examining CCTV footage from the locality and gathering further evidence linked to the incident. Security presence in the area has also been increased to prevent any further flare-up and maintain order in the sensitive locality.