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ShareMumbai: A crisis was averted on Thursday when Christians from Bandra gathered to save a heritage cross from being demolished near Bandra Talao by a BMC official, who allegedly wanted to appease a Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) builder.
The 150-year-old cross, managed by Shiv Sena, was being demolished by N Kumbhare, executive engineer, BMC, to give a setback to the builder for a garden.
The base of the crucifix was damaged and the statue of Christ atop it cracked at the centre. When local MLA Baba Siddique and MP Priya Dutt reached the spot, Christians gathered there demanded action againstKumbhare.
"There's no option other than suspending Kumbhare who tried to demolish our cross without informing his seniors. First, our Hill Road cemeteries and crosses were targeted, next it will be church grounds," said Anil Joseph, a Bandra resident.
When Dutt questioned assistant municipal commissioner SR Murgunkar about the incident, he said no orders were issued by him to demolish the cross. "Kumbhare wanted to demolish the cross to give a setback to an SRA builder for a garden. But I
hadn't given any orders for the demolition," Murgunkar said. "This could have created a law and order problem," said Dutt.
"We have asked Murgunkar to suspend the official, or we will begin an agitation," said Daphne Warapen, a Bandra resident.
Activist Nicholas Almeida said, "We will file a contempt petition. There is a stay from the high court for 40 crosses in Bandra. The status quo should be maintained till the case is disposed of."
Prakash George, senior police inspector, Bandra police station, said, "A complaint has been filed against Kumbhare. But we were told that the BCM official was only shifting the cross from one place to another and had no plans to demolish it."
