10 March,2026 07:50 AM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya Iyer
The eviction notice was served on March 2. Representation Pic/iStock
The Deonar police have booked a developer and members of a housing society after a 61-year-old Govandi resident, Anil Pagare, allegedly collapsed and died hours after being evicted from his home in Lumbini Baug, during a Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) redevelopment drive last week.
According to the complaint filed by the deceased's wife, Kavita, the redevelopment project was first proposed in 2006 by Arun Kamble, the chief promoter of the Lumbini Baug SRA Cooperative Housing Society. The redevelopment was assigned to developer Sadanand Shetty, who was handling the SRA redevelopment project in the area.
Anil Govind Pagare, who died after being made to evict his residence in Lumbini Baug, Govandi West, on March 5
While several houses in the area were vacated over the years under the SRA scheme, the Pagares alleged that they were evicted without being provided clarity on the redevelopment plan despite repeated requests over the years.
The family also stated that they had requested more time to vacate the house as their daughter Rujita, 22, was appearing for examinations at the time. According to the complaint, the eviction notice was served on March 2 while her exams were ongoing. However, they alleged that the request was not accepted and the eviction was carried out on March 5.
After the eviction, Pagare allegedly complained of uneasiness and chest pain while gathering belongings from the house with his wife. "Around 7.30 pm, nearly seven hours after the eviction, he suddenly felt dizzy, vomited and collapsed. Neighbours rushed him to Savla Hospital in Chembur, where the doctor on duty advised that he be shifted to Rajawadi Hospital in Ghatkopar for further treatment," said a police officer. However, doctors at Rajawadi Hospital examined him and declared him dead on arrival around 8.10 pm.
Pagare's family alleged that the stress and mental shock caused by the eviction led to his death. Based on the complaint, the Deonar police have registered a case against Kamble and Shetty, as well as the society's secretary, Vijay Kasbe, and members Ratan and Asha Nirbhavane in connection with the incident.
In a statement, the Lumbini Baug Jhopri Dharak Samiti, a residents' association representing slum residents, alleged that the eviction drive led to the death. The group claimed that Pagare's house was demolished during an eviction action linked to the redevelopment project, forcing his family onto the street.
