Mumbai: A day after Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis warned of strict action, the Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation Tuesday took a bulldozer to the Naya Nagar locality of Mira Road where violent clashes had broken out between two groups ahead of the Ram Temple inauguration in Ayodhya.
An official from the Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation told reporters that the civic body was demolishing encroachments in the area as part of a “routine drive”.
Mira Bhayander Municipal Commissioner Sanjay Katkar did not respond to ThePrint’s calls and text messages.
The demolition drive was started amid heavy police presence in the area.
The civic body’s drive comes a day after clashes broke out at Naya Nagar when a group of people took out a car and bike chanting slogans about Lord Ram. A group of local residents allegedly vandalised the vehicles.
The Naya Nagar area of Mira Road, a town in the larger Mumbai Metropolitan Region, has a significant Muslim population.
Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the state home portfolio told reporters Monday that 13 people had been arrested and strict action would be taken against the accused.
He also warned of action against illegal construction here.
Fadnavis said, “Thirteen accused have been arrested. We will check CCTV footage and take action against everyone involved. Under no circumstances will such things be accepted. Very strict action will be taken. Strict action will be taken against all who are encroaching, and building illegal constructions.”