The Forest Department demolished nine structures in Malad East on September 7 following a request from the Kurar police, who said 11 occupants of the properties had multiple cases registered against them under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
The structures were located on forest land in areas including Popat Compound, Ambedkar Nagar, Matang Gad, Lalubhai Compound, Jaiswar Nagar, Jamrushi Nagar and Shanti Nagar.
Police said the action was intended to disrupt locations allegedly linked to repeated drug-related offences. The Forest Department, however, clarified that the demolition was undertaken because the structures stood on forest land and followed a specific request from the police.
Forest Department Clarifies Scope of Action
SGNP Director and Conservator of Forests Anita Patil said the operation was restricted to the nine structures identified by the police.
“This was not a larger drive. Other residents in proximity to these homes on the forest land continue to stay until further clarity from the government. These select nine structures were demolished by the forest department as per the specific request from the police. The residents of these nine structures had police cases on them under the NDPS Act. Our department carried out the demolition while police ensured law and order.”
According to Kurar police, those identified in connection with the properties were Sayla Subhash Patel alias Shalu Raju Pawar, Dharmendra Jaiswar, Sikander Jaiswar, Pushpa Tayde, Subhash Patel, Sonu Ramnath Nishad, Mohammad Ibrahim Abdul Aziz Sheikh alias John, Amina Ansari, Aisha Salim Sheikh, Santosh Ashok Shirke and Gufran Ali Mumtaz Ali Khan.
Police Plan Further Preventive Action
The operation was ordered by Deputy Commissioner of Police, North Zone 3, Gajanan Shivling Rajmane, and carried out under his supervision and that of Assistant Commissioner of Police, Samta Nagar Division, Kailas Barve. Kurar Senior Police Inspector Sushil Kumar Gaikwad supervised the police team.
“These repeat offenders of NDPS Act had constructed these homes illegally on forest land through drug trade. We will be continuing the action with accused illegally residing on lands of BMC, Railway authorities as well,” a senior police officer said.
Police officials also said they were examining properties allegedly being used for illegal activities.
“When illegal activities like drug trade and gambling are carried out from any place, it becomes important to act on the property as a preventive measure. Legal provisions empower us to do this. We had insisted the same to the forest department, and their response and support for our prevention measures was positive,” said a senior police official.
The police are also compiling information on alleged drug peddlers operating near railway stations.
“We are collating similar lists for drug peddlers near railway stations as well to bring positive change. Preventive action on drug trade is vital; drug peddlers are ruining our youth and society.”
Two-Month Process Before Demolition
A senior forest official said the action followed a process spanning nearly two months. Police approached the Forest Department in July, after which two notices were issued to occupants of the nine structures.
“Queries in response to the notices were also resolved by us, and the demolition finally took place in September”
The Forest Department reiterated that the operation was limited to the nine identified structures. Other occupants living nearby on forest land remain in place pending further government clarification.
The action has brought together concerns involving forest-land protection, alleged unauthorised construction and police efforts to disrupt suspected drug-related activity in Malad East.
Source: Mid-day
