Nashik Video: Mob Opposes Demolition Of Unauthorised Dargah In Kathe Galli; Tear Gas Fired, 15–20 Detained, 21 Police Personnel Injured

After the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) and the police started preparations to remove the construction of an unauthorised dargah in the Kathe Galli area, a Muslim mob tried to oppose it on Wednesday night. The police had to fire tear gas canisters to disperse the mob. 15 to 20 people have been detained. There is tension in the area due to this incident, and an encroachment eradication campaign was launched on Thursday morning with heavy police deployment.

To maintain law and order in the Kathe Galli signal area, traffic on Wadala Road from Kathe Galli Signal to Nagji Signal Chowk has been closed for all types of vehicles from Wednesday night to Friday night. While stopping traffic, the mob pelted stones at night. Five to seven vehicles were damaged in this. Tear gas shells had to be fired to disperse the crowd, senior police officials said. The troublemakers were detained.

The unauthorised dargah is on the road leading from Kathe Galli Signal to Nagji Chowk in Mumbai Naka.

Last February, the NMC took action against unauthorised constructions around the dargah. At that time, BJP MLA Devyani Farande complained that not all the encroachments had been removed and demanded that the remaining encroachments be removed.

Action after the deadline

The NMC had issued a notice stating that the dargah was on the list of unauthorised religious places. It had been stated that it should be removed on its own within 15 days; otherwise, it would be removed at any time later. After the 15-day deadline expired, the NMC started action against this religious place.

21 policemen injured in stone pelting, three vehicles damaged

The crowd became aggressive, opposing the removal of the construction of the dargah. Stones were pelted at the police and at those who went to pacify the crowd. The police had to resort to lathi-charge to bring the crowd under control. The situation was brought under control by firing tear gas shells. Three police vehicles were damaged in the stone pelting. Police Commissioner Sandeep Karnik informed that 21 police personnel were injured.

"The mob pelted stones at police and 21 police have suffered minor injuries. The police then used force to control the situation. Fifteen people have been taken into custody, and 57 bikes have been seized. The situation is in control now. Over 500 police force has been deployed, and all the roads are blocked," added Deputy Commissioner of Police Kiran Kumar Chavan.