Tensions escalated in Maharashtra’s Nashik city as a demolition drive targeting an alleged illegal dargah turned violent late Tuesday night. A mob opposing the action attacked the police, injuring 21 personnel and damaging four police vehicles. The operation, led by the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC), was part of an ongoing anti-encroachment effort. Despite the presence of local leaders and the dargah’s trustee appealing for calm, the situation spiraled as stone-pelting erupted, forcing police to resort to a lathi-charge and teargas to disperse the crowd. Authorities have so far detained 22 suspects and seized 57 motorcycles believed to belong to individuals involved in the violence.

The NMC’s team, consisting of nearly 50 personnel and supported by heavy machinery including JCBs and dumpers, resumed the demolition work on Wednesday morning under police protection. Civic officials confirmed that the drive was focused on removing encroachments around the disputed dargah structure. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police Kiran Chavan, the team had arrived at the site with prior plans to clear the unauthorized shrine, but resistance from some residents quickly intensified into a mob attack. Initial injuries to three policemen were later updated to 21 as the situation worsened.

This demolition effort follows a similar drive in February when several illegal structures near the same dargah were removed. However, some residents and local right-wing outfits argued that the dargah itself was unauthorized and demanded its removal. Nashik Central MLA Devyani Pharande supported the continuation of the anti-encroachment initiative, stating that the earlier action was incomplete. As the law and order situation remains tense, security has been tightened in the area to prevent further unrest.