Daijiworld Media Network- Mumbai

Mumbai, Apr 20: Outrage has erupted in Mumbai’s Vile Parle East after the demolition of a nearly century-old Digambar Jain temple by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), sparking protests and demands for accountability.

The Watchdog Foundation, a prominent citizens' group, has condemned the BMC’s action in demolishing the Shri 1008 Parshwanath Digambar Jain Temple on April 16, allegedly under the claim of it being “illegal.” The foundation has addressed a strongly worded letter to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, calling for immediate punitive action against those involved in the demolition.

“We write to you with deep anguish and outrage,” the letter begins, “over the highly condemnable action undertaken by the BMC... This ancient temple, which has stood for nearly a century, is a sacred place of worship and has never been a public nuisance or an encroachment.”

The demolition triggered massive silent protests on April 19, with thousands from the Jain community donning white attire with black bands as a mark of dissent.

In a swift move, Assistant Commissioner Navnath Ghadge Patil, who oversaw the demolition, was transferred. Meanwhile, the Bombay High Court has ordered a status quo on further demolition and has scheduled the next hearing for April 30.

Demands for Justice: The Watchdog Foundation is seeking:

• Suspension of the K East Ward officer and other involved officials
• Filing of an FIR for criminal trespass, religious offence, and abuse of power
• A judicial inquiry into the “motives behind the demolition”
• Restoration or reconstruction of the demolished temple
• Compensation to the affected Jain community

Godfrey Pimenta, a representative of the Foundation, termed the act “shameful” and accused BMC officials of yielding to pressure from “builders, hoteliers, and vested interests.”

Advocate Vivian D’Souza echoed these sentiments, demanding a LiDAR-based survey of all structures in the K East Ward, claiming it would reveal selective targeting. “Thousands of truly illegal structures remain untouched thanks to the rampant collection of protection money,” he alleged.

As the controversy deepens, all eyes are now on the April 30 court hearing, which could decide not just the fate of this temple—but also set a precedent for the protection of religious structures across Mumbai.