Mumbai: A large protest broke out in Dharavi, Mumbai as BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) officials attempted to demolish the allegedly unauthorized portion of the Mahbub Subhani Mosque located on 90 Feet Road. A huge crowd gathered in the area, preventing BMC officials from carrying out their work. In their anger, protesters also vandalized a BMC vehicle, breaking its windshield. Hundreds of people have blocked the roads in protest, creating a tense situation in the area. To maintain control, a heavy police presence has been deployed on-site.
Several videos from the scene have surfaced, showing hundreds of people chanting slogans on the streets. The police are present and trying to manage the crowd. Pushing and shoving has also been reported among the protesters, leading to disruptions in traffic flow.
Police are urging local residents to calm down and allow the movement of vehicles that are stuck due to the protest. Officials have requested that no damage be done to vehicles and asked the crowd to protest peacefully. Meanwhile, members of the Muslim community have stepped in, trying to convince the protesters to move aside so that traffic can pass.
What’s the Issue?
The Mahbub Subhani Mosque in Dharavi is over 60 years old. Two years ago, the BMC issued a notice regarding the mosque, but no resolution was reached at the time. Originally built as a ground plus two-story structure, the mosque faced issues with rainwater flooding during the monsoon, prompting repair work.
Due to the growing population and increased need for space for prayers, an additional floor was constructed on the mosque. The construction work had been ongoing for the past three years, and the mosque is now fully completed.
However, the BMC has now declared this additional portion illegal and planned its demolition, sparking the ongoing protests.
Given the tense atmosphere, the police are making continuous efforts to calm the protesters and restore normalcy to the situation.
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