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Controversy Erupts Over Demolition of 90-Year-Old Jain Temple in Mumbai
A major controversy has broken out in Mumbai after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) demolished a 90-year-old Digambar Jain temple in Vile Parle (East). The temple, known as Shri 1008 Parshwanath Digambar Jain Chaitalaya, was located inside the Neminath Cooperative Housing Society. The demolition took place on April 16, 2025, and sparked massive public outrage.
Watchdog Foundation Demands Accountability
The Watchdog Foundation, a citizens’ group, strongly condemned the demolition. In a letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, they expressed their deep anguish over the action. The group accused the BMC of acting arbitrarily and claimed that the temple was not illegal.
The foundation demanded strict action against the officials involved, including immediate suspension and filing of an FIR. They also asked for a judicial inquiry, compensation for the Jain community, and restoration or rehabilitation of the temple.
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Religious Sentiments Deeply Hurt
Godfrey Pimenta, representing the foundation, said the demolition deeply hurt the religious sentiments of Jains across India. He emphasized that the temple had existed peacefully for nearly a century and had never caused any public nuisance.
He called the act “shameful” and accused BMC of showing complete insensitivity and misuse of power. “The bulldozing of a sacred site under the excuse of legality shows arbitrary governance,” he said.
Silent Protest March Draws Thousands
On April 19, just days after the demolition, thousands from the Jain community gathered in a peaceful protest. Wearing white clothes with black bands, they marched silently to express their grief and anger.
Over 20,000 people participated in the march, according to Paresh Shah of the Maharashtra Gaushala Sangh. Religious leaders, local citizens, and political leaders, including Minister Mangal Prasad Lodha and BJP MLA Parag Alavani, joined the protest.
Protesters shouted slogans like, “We are Jain, we will not stop, we will not give up.”
BMC Officer Transferred Amid Backlash
Following the public outcry, Assistant Municipal Commissioner Navnath Ghadge, who oversaw the K East Ward, was transferred immediately. Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani confirmed the decision and stated that action was being taken seriously.
A delegation of protesters submitted a memorandum of demands and had a two-hour-long meeting with Ghadge before his transfer.
High Court Steps In
The Bombay High Court, on the same day as the demolition, held an urgent hearing. It ordered the BMC to maintain status quo and halted any further demolition activities. The next hearing is scheduled for April 30.
Political Reactions Add Pressure
Leaders from across party lines criticized the demolition. Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav slammed the BMC and the BJP government. He described the incident as an eruption of long-held frustration among minority communities.
On social media, he stated, “This is the anger and resentment of a peaceful community now facing oppression.”
Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar also condemned the move. He questioned why the temple was demolished without notice and asked if the government still wanted peace in society.
Allegations of Corruption and Selective Action
According to advocate Vivian D’Souza, corrupt officials within the BMC may have acted under pressure from builders and hoteliers. He suggested that vested interests are using the law to clear “prime plots” while ignoring truly illegal structures elsewhere.
The Watchdog Foundation even challenged the BMC to conduct a LiDAR-based survey of all structures in K East Ward. They believe such a survey would expose how selective and unfair the demolition was.
Call for Justice and Transparency
In conclusion, the Watchdog Foundation and Jain community are demanding justice, transparency, and accountability. They believe the temple’s demolition was a targeted and malicious act, not just a routine legal procedure.
As the case continues in court, many await answers and hope for corrective measures to prevent such incidents in the future.