Mira Road remains tense after violence outbreak

Tensions have flared between groups in Mira Road, Mumbai, since the night of January 21st. The following evening reportedly scores of people seemingly affiliated with Hindutva groups targeted parked auto rickshaws through stone-pelting. Security measures were heightened in the region and a Bajrang Dal rally was dispersed by law enforcement. Consequently, the Deputy Chief Minister of the state Devendra Fadnavis asserted a zero-tolerance stance and urged stringent action. Subsequently, 13 people were arrested and are now facing serious charges, including attempted murder, under Section 307.

Sabrang India spoke to Sadique Basha, an activist on the ground, who have been trying to bring about peace in the area, and they have stated that the situation is normal now, relatively speaking. Their attempts at diffusing tensions and rallying for harmony have garnered more attention. Certain citizens have also created a petition urging for harmony and peace. As of now it has gotten over 2000 signatures.

Furthermore, a report by The Wire claims that people who went to file FIRs from the Muslim community found the police refusing to file FIRs despite the production of relevant evidence. Locals, according to the report by Wire, have claimed that the incident was a well-planned incident and also claim that the police failed to stop the attacks. A report by the Indian Express reveals that people believe there was an inadequate presence of police in “sensitive areas.” Furthermore, a senior police officer told Indian Express, the police had been prepared to deploy heavy security in Muslim-populated areas, however, he has also said, “We anticipated it but missed deploying heavy security in the area. Intensifying patrolling in the area may have prevented the first incident and it’s further snowballing.”

BJP MLAs, Nitesh Rane and Geeta Jain, both have been accused of stoking communal fires as they have been persistently demanding the police commissioner to allow them to hold a rally through the conflicted area. Rane has made incendiary posts on X, by making the statement “chun-chun ke marenge,” and Jain had released a video statement urging the administration to grant her five minutes of freehand and had given an ultimatum to the police that if they did not open the gates of the colony for their rally, they would come back with a crowd and rally without permission.

Journalist Nikhil Wagle has claimed today that the situation in Mira Road continues to remain “tense.” He has also urged the police to arrest MLA Geeta Jain for allegedly inciting riots. As of now, there are no reports of any FIR being registered against either Jain or Rane.

Related:

Tensions high at Mumbai’s Mira Road as local BJP MLAs give ultimatum to police

Riddles of Ayodhya Ram Temple: Consecration of Bhagwan Ram’s idol, but which one?

January 2024: Raking up the myth of temple demolition

Five states report communal incidents following the inauguration of the Ram Temple in UP