Social activist Medha Patkar and 20 persons were arrested on Thursday for protesting against the demolition of slums at Golibar in Khar, in suburban Mumbai. The protesters were allegedly beaten up in the presence of the police by goons of Shivalik Builders, developer in the Golibar redevelopment scheme, one of the most controversial redevelopment schemes in the city.
The Bombay High Court had made it clear that all residents must be relocated at good transit camps and directed them to register the individual agreements.
However, the residents alleged that none of the orders had been followed by the builder and the demolition drive was continuing in the presence of government officials.
Sumit Wajale, an activist from the National Alliance of People’s Movement (NAPM) said that the police, along with goons, made sure that nobody protested against the demolition. “They illegally demolished 10 houses today (Thursday), disrespecting the High Court order. The police supported them, while bouncers attacked the protesters,” he said.
The activists, who were arrested, were kept in police custody till the demolition drive was completed, and all were released in the evening. The NAPM has requested Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan to intervene.
