Awhad questions deployment of private bouncers at Powai demolition site

Taking to social media, Awhad said, “There were private bodyguards deployed at the site of demolition and the builder’s workers were also seen working inside under police protection. Meanwhile, not a single BMC worker is present at the site. Furthermore, there is a government circular which prohibits any demolitions between June 1 and September 30. Then how can the BMC raze these structures now?”

The homeless slum dwellers are now gearing up to hold a protest on Sunday, in a bid to raise demands about their rehabilitation, compensation for the damage done by police as well as immediate release of all the people who have been arrested. Organised by Jai Bhim Nagar Bachav Samiti, nearly 700 families, who have been rendered homeless, are expected to protest.

On Thursday, a demolition drive by the civic body took a violent turn after alleged stone pelting and clashes between the residents and the authorities left as many as 35 people, including 20 police officials injured.

Following the demolitions conducted on June 6, several activists have pointed to a state GR which curbs demolition of any structure during the monsoon months, and deemed the civic move illegal.

A day after the demolition, The Indian Express found that most dwellers spent their night on the streets and built makeshift houses along the pathway leading up to their erstwhile basti. Most evictees alleged that they were being prevented from entering the site to salvage their belongings with at least 100 – 150 police personnel deployed at the site. Some bouncers were also present at the site.