India: Tension Rise in Dharavi as Locals Resist Mosque Demolition

Tension erupted in Dharavi, Mumbai, on Saturday as residents opposed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) plan to demolish a portion of the Mehboob E Subhani Mosque, Muslim Mirror reported yesterday. A large police presence was deployed to maintain order as hundreds of locals blocked roads to prevent BMC officials from accessing the site.

The confrontation began around 9 AM when BMC teams arrived to carry out the demolition, citing illegal construction. In response, community members gathered, protesting outside the nearby Dharavi police station. A delegation from the mosque is currently in talks with BMC officials and local police to resolve the situation.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray criticized the Eknath Shinde-led government for allegedly attempting to incite communal discord ahead of upcoming assembly elections. He accused the ruling party of trying to create divisions between Hindus and Muslims while highlighting their contradictory stances on communal issues. The situation remains tense but is under control for now.