In a significant development in Mumbai, the Kasturba Marg police station located in Borivli has officially filed a First Information Report (FIR) against a total of seventeen residents from the Sanjay Gandhi National Park area. This legal action comes in the wake of intense protests that erupted against the planned demolition of houses at Navapada earlier this week.
Details of the FIR and Charges
The FIR has been registered under multiple sections of the newly implemented Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, specifically sections 125, 324(2), 189(2), 189(4), 190, 191(1), 191(3), and 3(5). These charges encompass a range of serious allegations, including endangering human lives, participating in unlawful assembly, engaging in rioting, and acting with a shared criminal purpose. The police have cited these violations as the basis for their action against the accused individuals.
Controversy Over FIR Inclusions
However, the filing of the FIR has sparked controversy among local adivasi communities. According to statements from community members, several of those named in the report may not have been directly involved in the protests. For instance, one woman listed is currently receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), making her participation impossible. Another individual was reportedly at work during the time of the incidents, and a third was merely an onlooker standing with her two children, raising questions about the accuracy of the police's allegations.
Background of the Protests and Demolition Plans
The protests were triggered by actions taken by forest officials over the past weekend. On Sunday and Monday, these officials visited various padas (settlements) within the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, informing residents about the imminent demolition of houses belonging to those who had been allocated tenements in Chandivli. As this news spread rapidly through the community, fear and anxiety mounted among adivasis, who began to gather in large numbers, concerned that all homes in the area might face destruction.
Government Response and Assurances
The escalating protests led to immediate intervention from the state government, which decided to stay the demolition process temporarily. In a reassuring move, State Forest Minister Ganesh Naik addressed the situation, promising that a meeting with the Chief Minister would be convened before any final decisions are made regarding the demolitions. This development has provided a temporary respite to the affected residents, who are now awaiting further clarity on their housing security.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions between development initiatives and the rights of indigenous communities in urban forest areas, underscoring the need for sensitive and inclusive policy implementation.
