Ram Mandir Rally Attacked: Bulldozers Out, Illegal Properties of Mira Road Accused Demolished

“Illegal” constructions were demolished using bulldozers in Mumbai’s adjacent Mira Road area on Tuesday, where the situation has been tense since Sunday following the clash between two communities after a procession was taken out to mark the opening of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

Heavy security has been deployed in the Naya Nagar area of Mira Road, with Mumbai Police, Palghar Police, Thane Rural Police, RAF (Rapid Action Force), MSF (Maharashtra Security Force) and state reserve police force (SRPF) patrolling the area.

As per sources, properties related to the accused, involved in clashes over the last two days, are being demolished.

13 Arrested, Over 20 Properties Demolished

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday said 13 persons were arrested for an alleged assault on a group taking out a vehicle rally in Mira Bhayander area adjoining Mumbai on the eve of the Ram Temple idol consecration in Ayodhya.

“All unauthorised properties, places related to the accused, will be demolished. Five JCBs were called in. Three of them were used. A total of 20-22 illegal structures were demolished. These were roadside structures on footpaths. Some were make-shift food stalls. Demolition drive has stopped for the day,” said sources.

What Happened In Mira Road

The violence broke out in the Naya Nagar area on Sunday when several cars and bikes, carrying saffron flags with Jai Shri Ram written on them, were attacked with stones.

The clash between members of two communities took place during a vehicle rally in the Naya Nagar area at around 10:30 pm on Sunday in which 10-12 participants in three cars and an equal number of vehicles were shouting slogans praising Lord Ram.

However, when some of them burst firecrackers, a group of people came out of their houses and thrashed those taking part in the rally with sticks and also attacked their vehicles, he said.

The police intervened quickly and the attackers were dispersed, following which an FIR was registered at Naya Nagar police against the attackers under Indian Penal Code section 307 (attempt to murder) and other offences.

However, in the second incident of violence in Thane district in less than 24 hours on Monday, another procession that was taken out in the Naya Nagar police station limits, on the occasion of the Ram temple idol consecration in Ayodhya, was again pelted with stones by miscreants.

An unspecified number of processionists and policemen providing security to the march were injured in the stone attack in the Mira Road area.

Videos of the incidents from Sunday evening and Monday afternoon also went viral on social media.

After the incident, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Fadnavis asserted there would be “zero tolerance” against anyone who tried to disturb the law and order situation in the state and they would be punished severely.