India: Demolition of Unauthorized Portions of Dharavi Mosque Begins

The demolition of unauthorized sections of the Mehboob E Subhani mosque in Dharavi, Mumbai,  commenced on September 30, Muslim Mirror reported yesterday.

A report detailing the demolition has been submitted to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

The mosque’s location, surrounded by slums, is expected to complicate and prolong the demolition process. This action follows a significant protest on September 21, where hundreds of residents blocked a major road to prevent the BMC from proceeding with the demolition.

In response to the unrest, mosque trustees negotiated with BMC officials, requesting four to five days to voluntarily remove the illegal structures. Tensions escalated during the protest, resulting in stone-pelting that damaged a BMC vehicle, prompting an FIR under various legal acts, including the Maharashtra Police Act. The situation remains sensitive as the demolition continues amid community concerns.