20 May,2026 06:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
As tensions escalated, the police used a mild lathi charge to disperse the crowd and bring the situation under control. Pic/Sameer Abedi
Tension gripped Mumbai's Bandra area on Wednesday after protests broke out during the day- of the demolition drive in Garib Nagar locality.
Sources said that some locals staged protests against the demolition operation at a religious site, leading to a confrontation with police personnel deployed at the spot for the drive. During this stone pelting was reported at the spot.
"Some individuals including a cop was injured in the incident and cops later detained multiple people," sources said.
Videos from the spot showed a large number of police officials deputed at the site, with some guarding the demolition area and many others dispersing the crowd.
Hundreds of police officials have been deputed at the spot as the demolition in Garib Nagar, which began on Tuesday morning, continued on Wednesday.
According to sources, some people allegedly attempted to reach close to the demolition site while protesting against the ongoing civic action. As tensions escalated, the police used a mild lathi charge to disperse the crowd and bring the situation under control.
The demolition continued thereafter, sources added.
Heavy police deployment remained in the area to prevent further unrest and maintain law and order.
According to Mumbai Police, the demolition drive is being carried out as per orders of the Bombay High Court. During the operation, some anti-social elements allegedly attempted to obstruct the demolition work by pelting stones at the demolition squad.
Police officials said appropriate force was used to disperse the crowd and bring the situation under control.
Mumbai Police also said the process of registering an FIR is currently underway and warned that strict legal action will be taken against those involved in vandalism and violence during the protest.
A senior Mumbai Police official said, "Some anti social elements tried to obstruct the work by stone pelting on demolition squad. Police used appropriate force to disperse the anti social elements. Process of registration of FIR is going on. Stern legal action will be taken against these individuals."
The anti-encroachment drive is part of Western Railway's ongoing operation to clear railway land near Bandra station following court directions.
The drive is being conducted to remove unauthorised structures from railway land and improve safety zones near the tracks.
Officials had earlier stated that the operation is being carried out with support from civic authorities, railway security personnel and Mumbai Police.
