IN PHOTOS: Unrest in Dharavi over demolition of Mehboob-e-Subani mosque

Tensions escalated in Mumbai’s Dharavi as members of the Muslim community staged protests against the demolition of the Mehboob-e-Subani mosque. Pics/ Shadab Khan & Sayyed Sameer Abedi

Updated On: 2024-09-21 01:01 PM IST

Compiled by : Sanjana Deshpande

Tensions escalated in Mumbai’s Dharavi as members of the Muslim community staged protests against the demolition of the Mehboob-e-Subani mosque.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had issued a notice stating that the mosque was constructed illegally, but locals argued that it has been in place for over 25 years.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation sent a demolition notice claiming that part of the mosque was illegally built in Dharavi. 

Following a formal notice, the BMC on Saturday sent a team to carry out the demolition which led to protests from locals who blocked roads and disrupted traffic. 

During the demolition attempt, tensions heightened as protesters pelted stones at a BMC vehicle, resulting in its vandalism.

A delegation from the community including the trustees of the mosque, the BMC officials held a meeting at the Dharavi Police Station with senior personnel present. 

During the meeting, the trustees submitted a letter to the BMC stating that they will, within four-five days, clear the encroachments near the mosque.

The BMC has reportedly accepted this request, and the trustees now have a limited window to act, averting immediate demolition.

Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad had previously met Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, conveying the community’s sentiments. Gaikwad shared on social media that her discussion with the Chief Minister was positive, and Shinde assured her that he would speak to the relevant authorities to halt the demolition process. 

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