02 June,2026 09:30 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
AIMIM leader Waris Pathan speaking to the media outside the site at Goregaon. Pic/ X
AIMIM leader Waris Pathan on Tuesday visited the demolition site of the Aarey dargah in Goregaon, Mumbai and accused authorities of razing the structure despite the matter being pending before the court.
Speaking to the media outside the site, Pathan alleged that trustees of the dargah had filed an urgent petition and that the matter was scheduled for hearing at the Dindoshi Court at 2 pm on Tuesday.
However, according to him, authorities arrived at around 9 am and began demolishing the structure before the hearing could take place.
"They have completely demolished it. At least give us a fair opportunity to approach the judiciary. The matter was sub judice and pending before the judge," Pathan said.
He further claimed that police and officials prevented people from entering the premises, adding that even he was not being allowed access to the site.
Pathan accused the administration of misusing power and disregarding the legal process despite the trustees moving the court against the demolition action.
A demolition drive was carried out in Mumbai's Aarey Colony on Monday against an alleged unauthorised dargah that authorities claim was built on government land.
Officials said the action was taken jointly by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the police after notices issued to the concerned trust allegedly went unanswered and no valid ownership documents were produced.
According to officials, the trust managing the structure had allegedly encroached upon government land without obtaining the necessary permissions. Following the completion of legal procedures, authorities initiated demolition proceedings at the site.
Heavy police deployment was made in the area to maintain law and order during the operation.
Visuals from Aarey Colony showed civic officials and workers carrying out the demolition activity while police personnel monitored the situation.
The Mumbai civic body officials stated that the operation was being conducted in accordance with legal provisions relating to unauthorised structures and encroachments on public land.
