Five days after the Garib Nagar demolition drive began, this reporter visited ground zero on Sunday to witness the aftermath firsthand. Piles of debris, partially razed structures, and deserted lanes marked the area, while authorities continued post-demolition operations amid tight security. Homeless residents of the area that aren’t eligible for rehabilitation were not seen at the site, while residents of huts that were protected from demolition and are awaiting rehabilitation were seen living on open ground along with their household belongings under a foot overbridge.

Residents from the protected huts that are situated near a service track and face the platform no. 7 of Bandra suburban railway station, said they were told that they would be protected from demolition but have still ended up on the street as authorities surprised them with the demolition plan to clear out any additional floors over the ground structure. Several residents alleged that multiple thefts took place in the area after the forced and unplanned desertion of their unlocked houses amid the drive.