Jains protest BMC bulldozing temple; ward officer transferred

We have acted in accordance with the court's directions and followed all legal procedures NAVNATH GHADGE PATIL BMC assistant commissioner

- HT Correspondent

MUMBAI: Members of the Jain community participated in a silent protest on Saturday against the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) demolition drive on an allegedly illegal Jain temple located in Neminath Co-operative housing society in Vile Parle East, on April 16, even as assistant commissioner Navnath Ghadge Patil, in-charge of the K East Ward, under whose watch the drive was undertaken was transferred.

Civic chief Bhushan Gagrani confirmed that Ghadge Patil was transferred but did not divulge the reason behind it. However, MLA Parag Alavani, who was a part of the protests, alluded that Ghadge Patil's transfer was in connection to the demolition drive.

Ghadge Patil told HT: "We have acted in accordance with the court's directions and followed all legal procedures."

The temple, managed by Shree 1008 Digambar Jain Mandir Trust, was developed in 1962.

Mayur Jain, one of the protestors told HT, that the community was incensed by the civic body's move as four bulldozers entered the premises even as prayers were on.