Questioned by locals why bulldozers targeted only one area involved in Sunday night’s clashes, officials say they are merely following orders
Illegal stalls razed in Naya Nagar. Pics/ Hanif Patel
Supposedly illegal roadside stalls in the Naya Nagar area of Mira Road which witnessed communal clashes two days back were razed by the civic body using bulldozers on Tuesday, officials said. However, locals told mid-day that they find it unfair that MBMC only conducted demolition in the Naya Nagar area and did not address similar issues in other parts of Mira Road.
Cops and a rapid action force were present at the spot
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Encroachment officer from MBMC, Maruti Gaikwad, said, "We demolished around 12 illegal stalls in the Naya Nagar area on Tuesday evening. Our orders were specific to Naya Nagar only." When asked if any demolitions were conducted in other areas, Gaikwad confirmed that they were not. MBMC officials had previously received several letters reporting encroachments, but after the riots, the MBMC took swift action.
Notably, the action by the Mira Bhaindar Municipal Corporation to demolish the "illegal" roadside stalls came a day after Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who holds the Home portfolio, warned of strict action against rioters. Videos of the razing of the stalls have gone viral on social media.
Former corporator Zubir Inamdar told mid-day, "We are not against demolition, this action was taken after the Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis's order. We, the people of Naya Nagar, want a peaceful environment and are cooperating with the police and government officials to maintain law and order peacefully in the Naya Nagar area."
Police present at the spot while the demolition drive is on
Members of two communities clashed during a vehicle rally organised in Naya Nagar on Sunday night on the eve of the consecration of Lord Ram's idol in the Ayodhya temple. A mob armed with iron rods, sticks, and bats shouted religious slogans and assaulted the man whose car was part of the procession comprising three vehicles and 10 two-wheelers, police had said.
12
No of stalls razed
Jan 22
Day of Ram Temple consecration
With inputs from agencies
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