Police said 13 people have been arrested in the case and their vehicles have also been seized
The mob not only torched a dozen vehicles, but also injured 10 officials in the process. Pics/Hanif Patel
A demolition drive conducted by the Vasai-Virar Mahanagar officials at the Waghral Pada locality was going on smoothly, till a rumour spread by some goons of the area flipped the entire situation on Thursday. When the locals were told that a child died due to the drive, even without checking what the reality was, within minutes they started pelting stones at the civic officials and local police. The mob not only torched 10-12 vehicles, they also injured 10 officials in the process.
According to the police, several people had encroached on government land in the area and had illegally built a chawl. After a complaint in this regard was filed with the Waliv police station, the civic body launched the demolition drive. The officials and cops had gathered in the area for the same purpose on Thursday, but as the rumour spread, the locals got angry and started attacking them.
Sources said that 13 people have been arrested. "We have seized 12 vehicles. Thirteen people have been arrested under various sections of IPC. Several police officers have been injured. Two JCB machines were destroyed and a corporation vehicle was burnt," said Sanjay Hazare, senior inspector, Waliv police station.
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