BMC razes illegal madrasa in Trombay
Located in Patil Pada, a locality in the eastern suburbs of Mumbai, the Darool-Uloom Madrasa had been operating since 2009, according to local sources. Situated on the edge of a hillock, the madrasa served nearly 60 students.
3 min read
The BMC began its demolition on January 14, initially dismantling the first and second floors. On January 15, the ground floor was also pulled down. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) demolished an unauthorised madrasa in Trombay on January 14 and 15.
Located in Patil Pada, a locality in the eastern suburbs of Mumbai, the Darool-Uloom Madrasa had been operating since 2009, according to local sources. Situated on the edge of a hillock, the madrasa served nearly 60 students. The building consisted of three floors: the ground floor was used for classes, while the first and second floors were designated as restrooms and study areas.
The BMC began its demolition on January 14, initially dismantling the first and second floors. On January 15, the ground floor was also pulled down.
The civic authorities labelled the entire structure as “unauthorized” and issued a notice to the trustees on January 11, instructing them to demolish the building themselves.
“I hereby give you notice that I shall, on January 14 or any working day during working hours, enter with assistant workmen to execute the demolition of the unauthorized work for which you were served the notice,” read the BMC’s notice.
“The madrasa has been operational since 2009, the same year we got it registered with the government. The upper two floors were constructed in 2017. We received the BMC’s notice on January 11 and the demolition started three days later. We acknowledge that the upper floors were built illegally and did not protest. However, the madrasa itself was registered and functional, and the BMC had provided us with utility connections based on legal documents,” Mohamed Sharafat Khan, the Imam of the madrasa and one of its trustees, said.
The BMC had issued a notice as early as 2022, followed by two more notices in 2023. In November 2024, another notice was sent, prompting the trustees to approach the sessions court. The lower court granted a 15-day stay, after which the trustees appealed to the Bombay High Court. The matter was scheduled for hearing on December 17, but the case was postponed to February 3, 2025.
“The balance hearing cannot take place today due to lack of time. Stand over to 3/2/2025,” the court’s order stated.
Civic officials, however, maintained that the demolition was triggered by a complaint from the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), citing safety concerns.
“The structure touches the boundary wall of BARC. The upper two floors were completely unauthorized and posed a risk to the safety of the BARC facility. Two years ago, we demolished a staircase in the building and instructed the trustees to remove the rest of the structure. Since they did not comply, we took action,” said a civic official from the M/East ward office.
You May Like
Photos
