Thane demolition drive: Civic official’s van vandalised

Unidentified person broke both the windscreens of the van belonging to an additional municipal commissioner...

Demolition drive at Retibunder creek undertaken by the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) and Thane collector took a violent turn after a van belonging to an assistant municipal commissioner was vandalised by unknown persons during the drive. The collector announced that the land mafia, who have misused the Retibunder land, will be booked accordingly.

TMC demolished an illegal lodge in Kapurbawdi last Saturday. (Praful Gangurde)

The corporation, along with the collecto,r initiated a massive drive against encroachment along the four-kilometre Retibunder creek. Civic commissioner Sanjeev Jaiswal has assured that a chowpatty will be developed along the creek in the next six months. The demolition drive began early on Wednesday.

Sandeep Malvi, public relations officer for TMC, said, “The car belongs to one of the assistant municipal commissioners. Somebody broke both the windscreens. We have asked the police to investigate the matter. Though were mild altercations with the locals, who resisted demolition of their structures, the situation is now under control.”

After targeting the illegal dance bars, lodge and hookah parlours in the last few days, the TMC has shifted focus to Retibunder creek next. Moreover, Jaiswal has assured rehabilitation to the occupants.

Speaking to media persons, collector Mahendra Kalyankar said, “Several land sharks have sold government plots for Rs4 lakh to Rs5 lakh and are also involved in illegal activities along the creek. We will register cases against all such encroachers. On the other hand, those who are doing business for over a decade or two will be rehabilitated.”

An occupant of one of the illegal structures, who protested against the TMC action, sustained injuries after a portion of a concrete structure fell on his head.