Questions raised at inaction by authorities during ‘illegal’ construction; Bombay High Court orders stay on demolition
NEW DELHI/MUMBAI – The poor Muslim residents of Mumbra’s AVK Compound in the Maharashtra city of Thane are facing a devastating threat of homelessness after the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) launched a demolition drive against several buildings in the area, despite heavy rainfall and without proper prior notice. The sudden destruction of their homes has left families terrified and desperate, many forced to live without electricity and water while trying to save what remains of their property.
Since June 13, the municipal authorities have begun demolishing 17 buildings of four to nine floors, under construction or recently completed, near Khan Compound in Shelgaon. The residents, who invested their life savings and took loans to buy homes, are now pleading with the authorities to stop the demolition and provide compensation or alternative housing.
“We have nowhere to go in this rain,” said Sakina Khan, a 45-year-old resident of Safa Building who suffered severe shock during the demolition process. “I work cleaning other people’s houses and my sons earn daily wages. We bought our home last year for eight lakh rupees. We checked everything before buying and were told the land was not illegal. Now, without any notice, they have cut off our electricity and water for four days. How are we supposed to live like this?”
Sakina’s family includes her husband, four daughters, and three sons – nine people in all. She said, “The buildings around us are being forcibly vacated and knocked down, which is weakening our home. What will happen to us? Where will we go?”
Another resident, Saleem Nisa Sheikh, who also collapsed from shock during the eviction order, shared her ordeal. “I bought this house by selling my jewellery and borrowing money. We cannot afford rent, nor can we buy another house in TMC’s building. I live here with my husband, who drives for Ola, my three small children, and my in-laws – seven people in total. When I heard about the eviction, I was heartbroken and collapsed,” she said, tears in her eyes.
Saleem added, “This is Nasir Bhai, the developer, who is helping us for now. I ask the authorities, does anyone evict people like this during the rainy season? Don’t they have children in their homes? If they break the roofs and demolish houses below, won’t the buildings become unsafe? What will remain of our homes?”
Women and children have been especially affected by the demolition drive. Two women, Sakina Khan and Saleem Nisa Sheikh, were admitted to Bilal Hospital after suffering severe shock. They have since returned home but remain deeply distressed.
Residents are confused and angry at the municipal officials and police who were present but seemingly inactive during the illegal construction of the buildings that have now been demolished. “Where were these officers when the buildings were being built illegally up to eight or nine floors?” asked a resident. “Why wait until now to take action when families have already moved in and invested everything?”
The demolition work was carried out with heavy machinery such as bulldozers and cranes, tearing down foundations and walls. Municipal workers were also seen using hammers to break down houses. The area was heavily guarded by police to prevent residents from resisting.
When contacted, a municipal officer supervising the demolition refused to comment on the ongoing operation.
The residents have also complained about the lack of proper legal procedure and communication. Many claim they were not given any formal notice or time to make alternate arrangements, adding to their trauma.
However, the Bombay High Court has now stepped in, granting a stay on the demolition until June 26 following a petition by developer Mahfuz Chaudhary, who represents the affected families. Chaudhary said, “Given the seriousness of the situation, the court has stayed the demolition process. The land dispute causing this is expected to be resolved soon.”
The court’s order has brought some relief to the suffering families, who hope this will prevent further destruction of their homes and provide time to seek justice.
This episode exposes the vulnerability of poor Muslim communities in Mumbai, who are often left without protection when facing harsh municipal actions. The residents’ pleas reflect a wider concern over the treatment of Muslim citizens, who invest all they have in homes that are later declared illegal without fair warning or support.
Local activists have criticised the TMC for the harsh timing of the demolition during heavy rains and for ignoring the human cost. “The authorities should have been more compassionate. These families are not criminals; they are hard-working people trying to make a life,” said one community leader.
The demolition of homes in Mumbra’s AVK Compound raises important questions about urban development, the rights of low-income Muslim communities, and the need for fair treatment and housing security in India’s expanding cities.
The rain continues to fall, and the residents remain uncertain about their future. “We only want a safe place to live,” said Sakina Khan. “We have no one else to turn to.”
