Mumbai’s Bandra witnessed tense and chaotic scenes after a major anti-encroachment demolition drive by authorities triggered violent protests in Garib Nagar. The operation, carried out on alleged illegal structures built on Western Railway land, quickly escalated into a major law and order situation as angry residents gathered on the streets, blocked roads and clashed with police personnel. Videos from the spot showed heavy police deployment, barricades near Bandra Court, traffic disruptions towards Bandra railway station and protesters hurling stones during the operation. Authorities reportedly identified around 400 illegal structures for removal as part of the large-scale clearance drive. Police later resorted to mild force to control the crowd after tensions spiraled out of control. WATCH

A massive demolition drive has begun in Garib Nagar near Bandra Terminus after the Bombay High Court allowed Western Railway to clear unauthorised structures from railway land. The operation, expected to continue for five days, has seen bulldozers move into the densely populated area under heavy security deployment. Nearly 400 personnel, including Mumbai Police, RPF and GRP teams, have been deployed amid fears of protests and crowd mobilisation. Authorities say the cleared land will be used for expansion of Bandra Terminus, better suburban connectivity and the addition of nearly 50 new originating train services from Mumbai. The High Court also directed officials to protect the rights of slum dwellers found eligible for rehabilitation under the 2021 surveys.