Campa Cola residents again block officials from entering premises

They are violating SC order, say municipal officials

A resident of the Campa Cola compound pleads with municipal officials who tried to enter the building premises in Mumbai on Friday. Photo: Vivek Bendre

As the final deadline to vacate their flats ended on Friday, Campa Cola residents blockaded their compound in Worli, preventing municipal officials from entering the premises to cut service connections to the illegal flats.

The Supreme Court had dismissed a final petition from the residents against demolishing the flats 17 days ago.

Around 11 a.m., Deputy Municipal Commissioner Anand Waghralkar, along with his team, reached the plush Campa Cola Compound to disconnect water, electricity and gas connections. In a repeat of the incidents last year, residents formed a human chain at the entrance to the compound. Every attempt of the municipal employees, who by now had decided not to use force, was thwarted as residents begged with folded hands for “justice.” Three ‘havans’ were being performed inside the compound, with priests chanting prayers.

Resident Ajit Panikar, who held the keys to the two gates, said: “Let the demolition men come as often as they want to. We will put up a fight and not let them enter our premises.”

The municipal team quietly videographed the resistance put up by the residents. “We will not use force. We will gather evidence and submit it to the court to show that residents are violating its order,” said the Deputy Municipal Commissioner as he angrily walked away.

In the interim, residents sporting “Save Campa Cola” T-shirts continued their prayers. Lunch was served to family and friends who had come to express solidarity. A posse of policemen stood guard outside throughout.

Politicians took the opportunity to sympathise with the “victims.” While several RPI workers carrying party flags gathered outside the gates, BJP leader Shaina N.C. was engaged in animated discussions with the municipal authorities and residents. BJP MP Gopal Shetty reached out at some point, as did NCP’s Rahul Narvekar.

Legal action to follow

At 3 p.m., Mr. Waghralkar and his team reached the spot again. Civic officials tried to have a dialogue, but the residents refused to budge. “We have given them enough chances. We will now initiate legal action against them,” Mr. Waghralkar said.