Tensions Defused: BMC Halts Mosque Demolition in Dharavi Amid Large Local Gathering

The BMC postponed its drive to demolish an alleged illegal mosque construction in Dharavi after a large gathering of locals caused concerns about law and order. Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis highlighted the importance of maintaining peace while enforcing court decisions on unauthorized structures.

Tensions soared in Dharavi, Asia's largest slum, as locals gathered in large numbers to oppose the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) attempt to demolish an alleged illegal section of a mosque. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasized that disrupting law and order would not be appropriate, especially when enforcing court-mandated demolitions of unauthorized constructions.

The cancellation came after Mumbai Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad's intervention, who met with the Chief Minister to discuss the issue. Gaikwad appealed for peace, stating that the BMC's scheduled action had been postponed, and locals should remain calm.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zone 5, Mumbai, Tejaswi Satpute, confirmed that the situation in Dharavi had stabilized. She urged people not to believe misleading social media messages, emphasizing that the BMC had accepted a written request from mosque trustees to remove the encroached construction within 4-5 days.

(With inputs from agencies.)