Mumbai: Aarey Colony Sees Unauthorised Dargah Demolition Under Police Protection

An anti-encroachment operation was carried out in Mumbai’s Aarey Colony area in Goregaon on Tuesday, during which authorities demolished an alleged unauthorised dargah under heavy police deployment. The action was taken by civic officials amid claims that the structure had been constructed on government land without permission.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), supported by police personnel, initiated the demolition drive after issuing multiple notices that were allegedly ignored. Officials stated that no valid documentation was produced to justify the presence of the structure, which was deemed an encroachment on public land, prompting enforcement action.

Authorities further indicated that a trust was found to have unlawfully occupied the site, leading to the decision to proceed with demolition. The operation was conducted in a controlled manner with security personnel deployed in the area to maintain order during the process, according to reports.

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Following the civic action, BJP leader Kirit Somaiya reacted on social media, describing the demolition as action against what he termed “land jihad.” He claimed the operation was initiated after he filed a complaint regarding the structure on April 9, 2026, and shared his views on X (formerly Twitter).

In addition, Somaiya said he had written to the Mumbai Police Commissioner and the Municipal Commissioner seeking action against alleged prayers being conducted on public roads. He claimed that such gatherings, including namaz outside railway stations and on busy roads, contribute to traffic congestion and disrupt public movement in the city.

The allegations made by political representatives and the civic action have not been independently verified in full detail, and no formal response from the trust or associated parties was immediately available at the time of reporting. The situation remains part of an ongoing civic enforcement and public debate around encroachment in the area.

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