Three Arrested for Damaging Property During Mosque Demolition Protest in Dharavi

Three individuals were arrested for damaging public property and obstructing a road during protests against the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s attempt to demolish an allegedly illegal portion of a mosque in Dharavi. Tensions rose as locals blocked civic officials, leading to stone-pelting incidents and increased police deployment.

Three people were arrested on Sunday for vandalizing public property and blocking a road, following protests aimed at stopping the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) from razing an 'illegal' portion of a mosque in Dharavi, according to authorities.

The suspects reportedly threw stones at a BMC vehicle, shattering its windshield, stated a Dharavi police station official. An FIR has been registered against them under multiple legal provisions, including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Maharashtra Police Act.

The protests began on Saturday when hundreds of Dharavi residents obstructed 90 Feet Road to oppose the planned demolition. The situation became tense, necessitating additional police deployment as mosque trustees negotiated with civic officials, requesting a few days to remove the encroachment.

(With inputs from agencies.)