Mumbai: Four days after a fire broke out during a demolition drive at the Garib Nagar slum in Behrampada, the Brihanamumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) resumed work on Monday. The civic team removed the debris of the structures pulled down on Thursday, though it did not carry out any fresh demolition.
Meanwhile, the police have intensified their search for Salman Sayyed, believed to be the second accused. “With Sabir Shaikh in our custody and Mr. Sayyed on the run, we believe there may be more in their group,” said Subash Jadhav, senior police inspector, Nirmal Nagar police station.
The residents of the shanties facing destruction were in the process of moving out on Monday. “All we are asking is that the BMC rehabilitate us before destroying our homes,” Samir Khan, one of the residents, said.
BMC officials said those eligible will be rehabilitated in Mahul.
“The focus of the demolition is only the shanties on 10 metres on either side of the Tansa water pipeline,” said Alka Sasane, assistant municipal commissioner, H (East) Ward.
The civic body plans to raze the remaining tenements from Tuesday.
MHADA drive
Seven houses in another slum pocket close to Garib Nagar were demolished on Monday. The residents were to be rehabilitated by Stelmac Developers. The demolition was on orders by the MHADA, as the slum stood on its land.
Locals claimed that the builder did not have the requisite permissions. Upon the arrival of dumper trucks, the locals protested.
The builder then signed seven agreements with the flat owners whose houses were demolished, and provided them with compensation for rental accommodation.
