Residents allege wrongful arrests, intimidation, and night raids, while police deny any wrongdoing
MUMBAI — A wave of fear and anxiety has spread across Garib Nagar and nearby Bahram Pada areas of Bandra East in this cosmopolitan city after the completion of a demolition drive, as police continue detaining individuals in connection with alleged stone-pelting incidents during the operation. Residents say the atmosphere has become tense and unpredictable, with police allegedly arriving at any time of day or night and identifying people by name for questioning and arrest.
Railway authorities completed a five-day demolition drive in Garib Nagar with heavy police deployment, officially declaring its conclusion on 23 May. However, the aftermath has left residents distressed, with reports of continued police activity in adjoining areas. According to residents, the ongoing searches and arrests have created a climate of fear, particularly in Bahram Pada, where families say they feel unsafe and constantly monitored.
Many residents have strongly objected to what they describe as arbitrary detentions. They claim that several arrested people had no involvement in stone-pelting and were merely bystanders. So far, 19 arrests have been confirmed by the police. Locals, however, insist that innocent individuals are being targeted and have demanded an immediate halt to what they call harassment.
Several residents, both men and women, spoke about their distress and urged authorities to stop what they see as indiscriminate action. They said families are under severe mental pressure due to fear that even those not involved in any wrongdoing could be picked up at any time. Many have demanded that innocent people should not be harassed under any circumstances.
An elderly resident, Intizar Ahmed, described his experience during the demolition day, alleging that he was assaulted after questioning the action against a local mosque. He said, “I was standing in Bahram Pada when Sunnat Garib Nagar Mosque was being demolished. I asked why such an old mosque was being destroyed. The police hit me on my head, shoulder and back with batons and said I was provoking people.”
He further added his concern about possible arrest despite having no involvement in any violence, saying he has already suffered injuries for simply raising questions.
A woman from the area also claimed that two young boys from her family, Amaan and Faizan, were detained and allegedly beaten despite not being involved in any stone-pelting. According to her, they were only present at the location as spectators and had no connection with any violence.
Another eyewitness, Mohammad Hassan Qureshi, said he saw police using force indiscriminately during the operation. He stated, “I was coming through Coal Gali when I saw police beating people randomly. That area is far from Garib Nagar and across the drain, yet people were being hit without reason.”
Similarly, another resident said that Bhola, his son Dilshad, who works as a cloth presser, and a youth named Sohail were also detained, although they were not part of any protest or stone-pelting activity. Residents insist that such arrests have deepened panic among ordinary families.
Social worker Ishtiaq Khan, who is trying to assist affected families, said the situation has created widespread fear. He said residents now worry that even those not involved in any incident could be picked up at any time. He urged authorities to ensure that innocent people are not harassed, while also stating that no one supports those responsible for any wrongdoing.
With Eid Al-Adha only days away, residents say the ongoing situation has added to their distress, making it difficult for families to prepare for the festival. Many fear that continued police action may further disrupt daily life and celebrations in the area.
Police officials, however, have denied allegations of wrongful detention. Inspector Dharage, currently holding charge at Nirmal Nagar Police Station, said the investigation is ongoing. Investigating officer Inspector Khade confirmed that 19 arrests have been made so far and further inquiry is in progress. Responding to allegations of fear and harassment, he said, “No innocent person will be arrested, but those found guilty will not be spared.”
He further added that if mass arrests had been intended, the number of detentions would have been far higher during the five-day operation, suggesting that the action had been selective and based on investigation.
As the situation continues to develop, residents remain anxious, calling for calm and clarity, while authorities maintain that the investigation will proceed according to the law.
