The civic authorities conducted a demolition drive over 'illegal' stalls on Mira road in Maharashtra's Thane after the area saw a communal clash on Monday when stones were pelted on a procession celebrating the inauguration of Ayodhya's Ram Mandir.
The Mira Bhaindar Municipal Corporation bulldozed stalls amid heavy security, which even included a Rapid Action Force (RAF) team, to ensure public safety and prevent any untoward incidents.
The demolition operation occurred just a day after Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who holds the Home portfolio, issued a stern warning of strict action against those involved in the recent riots. He reportedly said, "There will be zero tolerance against anyone who tries to take the law in their own hands and attempts to disturb the law & order situation in Maharashtra."
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Videos capturing the removal of the stalls quickly circulated on social media platforms, providing a visual account of the civic authorities' response.
The communal tension erupted during a vehicle rally organized on Mira Road of Naya Nagar on the outskirts of Mumbai on Sunday night, coinciding with the eve of the consecration of Lord Ram's idol in the Ayodhya temple.
Members of two communities clashed during the procession, with a mob armed with iron rods, sticks, and bats shouting religious slogans.
The situation escalated when the mob assaulted a man whose car was part of the procession, comprising three vehicles and ten two-wheelers, as reported by the police.
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The attackers vandalized the car using stones and sticks, prompting the police to register a case of attempt to murder against 50-60 individuals and took 13 people into custody.
