Buddh Bhumi Foundation accuses civic authorities of hurting religious sentiments; legal action and a sit-in announced against officials
KALYAN — A dispute over a demolition drive carried out by the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) has taken a major social and political turn, with members of the Buddhist community and Ambedkarite organisations alleging that Buddha statues and a model commemorating the historic Bhima Koregaon victory were damaged during the operation.
The controversy centres on a recent demolition carried out on land belonging to the Buddh Bhumi Foundation in Ashok Nagar. Foundation members have described the action as an attack on their religious and social identity rather than a routine administrative exercise.
At an emergency meeting, Ambedkarite organisations, Buddhist leaders and social activists discussed the issue to formulate a response. The meeting was chaired by Buddh Bhumi Foundation head, Bhante Gautam Ratan Mahathero.
Participants strongly criticised the municipal action and announced a series of protest measures. The foundation declared that it will stage a sit-in demonstration outside the KDMC headquarters from 15 June.
According to organisers, the protest is expected to draw Ambedkarite activists and members of the Buddhist community from several districts across Maharashtra.
Addressing a press conference after the meeting, Bhante Mahathero alleged that the municipal corporation carried out the demolition on 30 May with the support of a large police force.
He claimed that the action was conducted without completing legal procedures related to land transfer and without consulting or informing the foundation’s management committee.
“The action was illegal and inhuman. The authorities used police force and carried out the demolition without following due process or taking the foundation into confidence,” he said.
According to Mahathero, three statues of Lord Buddha and a model representing the historic Bhima Koregaon victory memorial were affected during the operation.
Foundation representatives argued that the structures held deep religious and historical significance for members of the Buddhist and Ambedkarite communities.
The foundation has announced plans to initiate legal proceedings against those it considers responsible for the demolition.
Advocate Angle, speaking on behalf of the protesters, described the matter as serious and called for criminal cases to be registered against local Member of Parliament Shrikant Shinde, Municipal Commissioner Abhinav Goel and the concerned Deputy Commissioner of Police.
The foundation has alleged that the demolition hurt the religious sentiments of Buddhists and Ambedkarite followers and should be investigated under relevant legal provisions.
Organisers said they would also pursue other legal remedies available to them.
The issue has gained further attention because Kalyan MP Shrikant Shinde had earlier written to the Municipal Commissioner seeking a Special Investigation Team (SIT) inquiry into the entire matter.
The letter reportedly called for a detailed examination of the circumstances surrounding the land, the structures and the actions taken by civic authorities.
However, foundation members maintain that those responsible for the demolition must be held accountable and that an independent inquiry is necessary.
The incident has generated strong reactions among Ambedkarite and Buddhist groups, many of whom view the alleged damage to the statues and memorial model as an issue extending beyond a land dispute.
Community leaders at the meeting stressed that they would continue peaceful and democratic protests until their demands are addressed.
The KDMC administration has not yet publicly responded to all the allegations made during the emergency meeting. Officials are expected to present their position regarding the demolition and the legal status of the land in the coming days.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the 15 June protest, which organisers say will serve as a platform to demand accountability, legal action and protection of sites associated with Buddhist and Ambedkarite heritage.
As the controversy grows, attention is likely to focus on the planned inquiry, the legal challenges expected from the foundation and the response of municipal authorities to allegations that religious sentiments were hurt during the demolition drive.
