Netajinagar residents clash with authorities, damage JCB; cops round up over 100 protesters.
Tension prevailed in the Netajinagar Cooperative Housing Society in Wanowrie after more than 350 residents clashed with the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (Mhada) authorities to prevent them from acquiring a 4.5 acre vacant plot on the society premises on Wednesday. The Mhada, which is planning to start a new scheme on the land, acquired the plot in the evening amidst heavy police protection.
The angry residents staged a protest and also damaged a JCB machine. They had locked the main gate of the society but more than 200 policemen went inside the premises and took control of the situation. The road to Ramtekdi, which passes through the society, was closed for traffic for nearly half an hour.
As a precaution, the police brought in water cannons to the spot and rounded up around 100 protesters. The detained residents were released in the evening. The housing society has been developed by Mhada on 11 acres of land, on which the 4.5 acre vacant plot lies.
The society members claimed that they have already paid money to Mhada for the vacant plot and it belongs to them. They also apprehend that Mhada will redevelop the entire society, which is mostly occupied by former Central government and defence employees.
Deputy commissioner of police (Zone IV) Manoj Patil said, “The water cannons were brought to the spot but were not used as the situation did not go beyond control. Police protection will be provided to Mhada workers till the construction commences at the plot.”
Society president Ramesh Shingare said, “We have paid Rs 7 lakh for 11.5 acres of land. Mhada is illegally trying to acquire our land. We have filed a case against the authority and are awaiting the high court order, which is due on June 14. Without the judgment, how can they occupy the land.”
Mhada officials said that they are not going to demolish the existing buildings in the society and only plan to construct a housing scheme at the barren land.
Mahesh Datar, deputy engineer of Mhada said, “We are going to construct 86 middle income group and 86 lower income group flats on the 4.5 acre land. We will start the construction once the funds are allotted.”
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