High drama was witnessed at Guru Tegh Bahadur Nagar in Mumbai’s Sion Koliwada area on Thursday, as residents clashed with the police during a demolition drive. Five policemen were injured.
The BMC claimed the 100-plus buildings in the refugee camp are old and in dilapidated condition. The residents alleged they have not been compensated.
“The BMC officials planned disconnection of electricity and water in 1 to 25 buildings of Punjabi colony under the jurisdiction of Antophill police station.Adequate police protection was provided. However, the public protested and pelted 5 policemen with stones,” said N Ambika, deputy commissioner of police, zone 4.
The police had to resort to lathicharge to disperse the hundreds gathered at the spot.
The corporation has initiated the first leg of demolition drive by disconnecting the electricity.
With the monsoon around the corner, the civic body has started to vacate buildings.
The Antophill police have registered a case.
