The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation conducted a late-night operation demolishing 11 illegal structures in Chikhli’s Kudluwadi area.
The targeted buildings included five mosques, five temples, and one akhara attached to a temple.
Authorities deployed heavy police presence due to the potential for violent resistance during the demolition operation.
Violent Resistance and Police Response
During the action on the night of June 8-9, large crowds aggressively opposed the demolition. Some protesters hurled stones at the police, injuring 18 officers and at least one civilian.
Police used minimal lathi-charge tactics to disperse crowds and restore order without escalating violence further.
FIRs and Arrests
Law enforcement arrested two individuals on-site and filed FIRs against approximately 500 unidentified participants.
The FIRs cited offenses under various IPC sections, Property Defacement Prevention Act, and Maharashtra Police Act provisions.
Authorities confirmed that the FIRs addressed attacks on public officials, unlawful assembly, and mischievous acts.
Background and Scale of Unauthorized Structures
The Kudluwadi locality reportedly hosts 21 unauthorized religious structures.
During this operation, five mosques and five temples were demolished, sparking the violent reaction from local residents.
The demolition targeted structures built without legal approval, emphasizing law enforcement’s effort to regulate public property.
