Violence broke out during an anti-encroachment drive at Garib Nagar near Bandra railway station, after a mob allegedly attacked police and security personnel with stones during the demolition of unauthorised structures.
Police have so far arrested 16 people in connection with the incident, while an FIR has also been registered against 100 to 150 unidentified persons.
The arrested accused are scheduled to be produced before the Bandra court at 2 PM on Thursday.
According to Mumbai Police’s preliminary investigation, the stone-pelting incident may not have been spontaneous, with investigators suspecting that the attack was part of a pre-planned conspiracy.
Police sources said they are examining who allegedly orchestrated the violence and incited the crowd against law enforcement personnel.
The violence occurred during Western Railway’s ongoing demolition drive in Garib Nagar, where authorities were removing alleged illegal hutments following a Bombay High Court order.
According to the complaint filed by an officer of the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Western Railway’s Assistant Divisional Engineer had issued notices on March 13, 2026, informing residents about the proposed removal of unauthorised structures.
Following this, Ekta Welfare Society and Garib Nagar Rahivasi Welfare Association approached the Bombay High Court against the action.
During a hearing on April 29, the High Court permitted the removal of unauthorised structures while directing authorities to safeguard the rights of eligible slum dwellers. Acting on the order, Western Railway launched the demolition drive between May 19 and May 23.
Police deployment from Nirmal Nagar police station had been arranged for the operation. The demolition began on May 19 but remained incomplete, prompting authorities to resume the exercise at 10 AM the following day.
As per the complaint, around 4:30 PM, a large group, including men and women, gathered at the site and began protesting against the demolition. Despite repeated warnings through a megaphone to disperse, the crowd allegedly became aggressive.
Police alleged that members of the mob hurled stones and construction material, including cement blocks, at Mumbai Police personnel, railway police, and RPF officers deployed at the scene. The situation escalated rapidly, forcing police to use mild force to disperse the crowd and detain several individuals.
At least five police personnel were injured in the violence. Police Havaldar Pratik Dagdu Jadhav suffered a fracture in his right thumb, while RPF constable Jitendra Kumar Sajjan Singh sustained a broken nose after being struck by a stone. Other injured officers include Chandrakant Mukutrao Dhebre, Navnath Anna Mudgul, Omkar Deepak Koli, and Dattatray Tanaji Bagul. Several local residents were also reportedly injured, while public property suffered damage.
Initially, 10 people were detained from the spot. Police later confirmed that the number of arrests had risen to 16.
Mumbai Police have registered a case at Nirmal Nagar police station under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 109 (attempt to murder), along with provisions related to rioting, assault on public servants, damage to public property, and Section 146 of the Railways Act.
The investigation is underway to determine whether the violence was organised and to identify those responsible for mobilising the crowd.
