Overview
- A PCMC-led demolition that began at about 2 am on Tuesday razed 11 unauthorised religious structures — reported as five mosques, five temples and one Garadi — across Chikhali, Kudalwadi and Pawar Vasti covering roughly 28,000 square feet.
- The drive used a large multi-agency force of more than 500 personnel including about 150 Maharashtra Security Force members, dozens of municipal engineers, 22 Poclains, 26 JCBs and about 120 labourers to remove the structures.
- Local residents opposed the action and some people allegedly hurled stones at police, causing injuries and damage to a riot-control vehicle; official reports differ on casualties with some sources saying seven police injured and others reporting 18 police and one civilian injured.
- Police registered an FIR that names two detained men and lists about 300–500 unidentified persons; officers are reviewing CCTV and video evidence, have formed multiple investigation teams and have arrested more suspects, with reports saying 33 people detained so far.
- PCMC says the sweep is part of continued enforcement of planning rules to protect urban infrastructure and public safety, but the removal of religious sites has raised communal sensitivity and increases the risk of further local unrest.