Tension in Dharavi as Residents Protest Mosque Demolition

Tension erupted in Dharavi, Asia's largest slum, as residents protested the BMC's move to demolish an illegal portion of a mosque. After talks, mosque trustees secured a four-to-five-day extension to remove the encroachment. Police presence was ramped up to prevent any untoward incidents.

Tension erupted in the Dharavi slum early Saturday morning when hundreds of residents took to the streets to oppose the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)'s planned demolition of an illegal portion of a mosque, according to officials.

By the afternoon, mosque trustees engaged in discussions with BMC officials, requesting a four-to-five-day extension to dismantle the encroached part themselves. BMC authorities agreed to this timeline.

To maintain order, heavy police presence was deployed in the area. Residents initially halted the civic team's demolition attempt and later gathered outside the Dharavi police station in protest. The situation remains under control following the agreement.

(With inputs from agencies.)