Mumbai News: Demolition of 'Illegal' Mosque, Mahboob-e-Subhaniya Begins in Dharavi

Following the uproar surrounding the Mahboob-e-Subhaniya Mosque in Dharavi on Saturday, the mosque committee requested a week to remove the illegal portion of the structure themselves. The demolition process has now begun, focusing on the 20-foot minaret that has been deemed illegal. A green curtain has been erected around this section, and plans are underway to dismantle it using wooden supports. In connection with the protests, the police have arrested three individuals for obstructing government work, inciting riots, and causing damage to public property. What led to this situation? Tension erupted in the Dharavi slum area of Mumbai on Saturday morning when thousands of residents took to the streets to oppose the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) plan to demolish the mosque's alleged illegal portion. Some residents prevented municipal officials from entering the lane where the mosque is located, which quickly escalated as crowds gathered outside the Dharavi police station, sitting on the road in protest. The situation highlights the ongoing struggle between local authorities and residents regarding land use and religious structures in densely populated areas.