BMC demolishes illegal structures linked to alleged drug accused in Bandra, Khar, Santacruz and Andheri

Police in Mumbai have stepped up their action to curb the trafficking and sale of narcotics. As part of this drive, the Municipal Corporation of Mumbai demolished illegal structures in Bandra, Khar, Santacruz and Andheri that are said to be linked to alleged accused.

The background to the action is that accused in drug cases return to the trade after being released on bail or coming out of jail. The police and the municipal corporation are carrying out the action in coordination.

In the Rahul Nagar slum area of Bandra, action was taken against illegal structures allegedly linked to Hasan Haider Shaikh and Fatima Shaikh. A structure was also pulled down in Maulana Baba Galli, near Jama Masjid on S.V. Road in Bandra West. It was said to be linked to Nilofar Shaikh and Shahnawaz Qureshi, alias Bada Shanu.

In Khar, the municipal corporation removed an illegal wall and a tin shed built near a woman's house. The woman's name is recorded in police records as Selina Patel. Police said three narcotics cases are registered against her, along with one case of alleged sale of ganja.

In Andheri West, a structure of tin sheets and tarpaulin was also pulled down on October 14. It is alleged to have been put up by Asif Khan, alias Chuha. Earlier, in August, action was also taken in Santacruz West, near Rajesh Khanna Garden, against alleged illegal structures of Abika Harjan and Durga Pandey.

Dr Mohit Kumar, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zone 2, said anti-drug action is a priority for the police. He clarified that the municipal corporation had been informed about the illegal structures and the demolition was carried out only after that.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has expressed concern over bulldozer action against the properties of accused persons. The court has also indicated that it may lay down guidelines for such actions, which is why the issue is now being discussed.