Police Injured as Anti-Encroachment Drive Turns Violent in Mumbai’s Bandra East

Tension escalated in the Bandra East area of Mumbai on Wednesday during an anti-encroachment demolition drive that turned violent, leaving several police personnel injured after stone-pelting broke out at the site. The incident occurred in the Garib Nagar locality near Bandra East railway station, where authorities were carrying out an operation to remove alleged illegal encroachments and unauthorised structures. Police later registered a case against 10 identified individuals and several others following the clash.

According to officials, the demolition drive was being conducted as part of a planned anti-encroachment operation based on court directives and administrative orders. A large contingent of security personnel, including Mumbai Police, Railway Protection Force (RPF), and Home Guards, was deployed to ensure the exercise proceeded smoothly. The presence of multiple agencies highlighted the sensitivity of the operation in a densely populated settlement area.

The situation reportedly deteriorated when a crowd of around 100 to 150 residents gathered at the spot and began protesting against the demolition action. Police said repeated announcements were made urging the crowd to disperse peacefully and not obstruct official work. However, officials alleged that a section of the crowd became increasingly aggressive and attempted to halt the demolition process, escalating tensions on the ground.

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During the confrontation, some individuals allegedly raised slogans and started pelting stones and other objects at police personnel and government staff deployed for the operation. The sudden violence caused chaos at the site, injuring several police officers and prompting authorities to use mild force to disperse the crowd. Some individuals were also detained at the scene as the situation came under control after a brief but intense clash.

Following the incident, police registered a First Information Report (FIR) at the Nirmal Nagar Police Station under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including unlawful assembly, rioting, obstruction of public servants, and damage to public property. Officials confirmed that injured personnel received medical treatment, while security in the area was strengthened to prevent further disturbances.

Authorities have launched a detailed investigation into the violence and are reviewing CCTV footage to identify additional individuals involved in the stone-pelting. Officials stated that the anti-encroachment drive was carried out in accordance with legal procedures, while efforts are underway to maintain law and order in the area following the unrest.

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