BREAKING: Mumbai Bandra Encroachment Drive Enters Day 3, 80% Illegal Slums Demolished

A large-scale demolition drive in the Bandra area of Mumbai has entered its third consecutive day, with authorities reporting that nearly 80% of illegal encroachments on railway land have already been cleared. The operation is being carried out on approximately 1.31 acres of railway-owned land, where unauthorized slums had reportedly developed over several years. The action, led by railway authorities in coordination with local police and civic agencies, has remained tense following incidents of stone-pelting on the second day of the drive. In response, heavy police deployment continues in the area to maintain law and order and ensure the smooth continuation of demolition work. Officials stated that bulldozers and heavy machinery are actively removing debris, while remaining structures are being carefully assessed before further action. Authorities also clarified that around 20% of structures remain, particularly those linked to buildings currently under legal protection, which are being handled cautiously to avoid collateral damage. During the operation, some religious structures, including a madrasa, were demolished as part of the identified illegal encroachments. This reportedly led to heightened tensions in the area, resulting in clashes between residents and police forces. Law enforcement had to resort to crowd control measures after objects were allegedly thrown at officials, escalating the situation further. According to police, multiple people were injured in the incident, including both security personnel and civilians. A formal FIR has been registered at the Nirmal Nagar Police Station against individuals involved in the violence and obstruction of government work. Authorities have emphasized that the drive is being conducted under court orders and in coordination with multiple agencies, including railway protection forces and municipal bodies. The remaining structures are expected to be cleared in the coming days as part of the scheduled multi-day demolition operation. The situation remains under close watch as the clearance drive continues amid tight security arrangements.