Mumbai: High drama unfolded at the Campa Cola Compound in south Mumbai today as municipal staff with police help barged into the compound by breaking open the main gate to take action against illegal flats in the society.
The irate residents were involved in scuffles with police who forcibly moved them away from the gate to facilitate access for the civic squad.
Since morning residents blocked the entrance and refused to allow civic officials to enter the premises as the BMC team was expected to cut power and water supply in remaining illegal flats today.
A face-off between the protesters and the police resulted in the scuffle. Several police personnel were deployed at the spot in the morning.
“We are not terrorists. The police used force against women,” a resident said.
The residents, who allege that they have been singled out for action despite over 55,000 illegal constructions in the city, spent a restless night ahead of the civic action today.
Like they did yesterday, the residents have blocked entry by parking vehicles near the gate.
Fighting a legal battle since 2005, the residents said they were duped by the builders and will be on the roads if their flats were pulled down.
The seven high-rise buildings were constructed at the Campa Cola Compound between 1981 and 1989. The builders had permission for only five floors, but constructed several more.
