On the eve of the consecration of the temple in Ayodhya, a mob armed with iron rods, sticks, and bats shouted inflammatory anti-Muslim slogans and resorted to violence.
Team Clarion
MUMBAI – Tension in this sprawling metropolis is palpable after violence in Naya Nagar area of Mira Road and the subsequent bulldozing of Muslim properties.
Reports have emerged of alleged communal tensions amid the arbitrary arrest of Muslims and selective razing of their properties.
The genesis of the conflict lies in a rally held in support of the Ram Mandir inauguration in Ayodhya on Monday. Large scale violence broke out in the locality, fuelled by reported anti-Muslim slogans raised during the rally by Hindutva propagandists.
The arrest of 13 individuals for their alleged role in the violence, based on CCTV footage, has sparked concerns over transparency in the legal proceedings.
In a move reminiscent of the Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh, the Mumbai Police initiated the demolition of shops and homes on Mira Road, targeting properties owned by Muslims. This action has ignited controversy, with the police justifying their move as a response to the violence during the Hindu-led procession.
The Mira Bhandar Municipal Corporation executed the demolition, a day after Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, holding the Home portfolio, warned of strict action against rioters. Notably, videos of the demolition have gone viral on social media.
Former corporator Zubir Inamdar said: “We are not against demolition; this action was taken after the Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis’s order. We, the people of Naya Nagar, want a peaceful environment and are cooperating with the police and government officials to maintain law and order in our area.”
Members of two communities reportedly clashed during a vehicle rally in Naya Nagar, organised on the eve of the consecration of the temple in Ayodhya. A mob armed with iron rods, sticks, and bats shouted inflammatory anti-Muslim slogans and resorted to violence.
Maruti Gaikwad, the encroachment officer from MBMC, stated, “We demolished around 12 illegal stalls in the Naya Nagar area on Tuesday evening. Our orders were specific to Naya Nagar only.” When asked if any demolitions were conducted in other areas, Gaikwad replied in the negative. MBMC officials had received several letters reporting encroachments previously, but after the riots, the MBMC took swift action.
Locals, however, expressed discontent, deeming it unfair that the MBMC only conducted demolitions in the Naya Nagar area and did not address similar issues in other parts of Mira Road.
As the city grapples with these complex issues, community leaders, and human rights activists demanded a comprehensive inquiry into the incidents. Their call resonates with the need for justice, transparency, and the protection of the rights of all individuals, irrespective of their religious affiliations.