Mira-Bhayandar: In a major early-morning demolition drive, the Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) on Monday carried out bulldozer action against the allegedly unauthorised Noori Masjid and other illegal structures within its premises in Bhayandar East’s Gold Nest Circle area.

The operation began around 5 am amid tight security arrangements, with a heavy police presence deployed across the locality to prevent any law-and-order issues. Barricades were erected and movement in surrounding areas was regulated as authorities anticipated a sensitive situation during the demolition.

According to officials, the action was taken following administrative orders and a prolonged process examining alleged unauthorised constructions on the site. The mosque structure, along with other constructions within the compound, was targeted as part of the civic body’s ongoing crackdown on illegal buildings.

Discussions between the administration and members of the mosque committee continued late into the night before the demolition. Following the talks, the committee reportedly agreed to cooperate with the authorities and began removing important belongings and materials from the premises before the operation commenced.

As a result, the demolition was carried out peacefully and without resistance. Visuals from the site showed civic personnel and police officials overseeing the operation as heavy machinery moved in to raze the structures.

Authorities also initiated action against an allegedly unauthorised temple structure in the vicinity. Officials said both communities cooperated with the administration during the process, helping ensure that the operation remained peaceful.

Although tension briefly prevailed in the area as the demolition began, the situation remained under control due to extensive police deployment and coordination between civic authorities and local representatives.

Mira-Bhayandar, which falls within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), has witnessed several anti-encroachment drives in recent years as authorities intensify action against unauthorised constructions.

Officials reiterated that the campaign against illegal structures will continue and maintained that action would be taken uniformly against all unauthorised constructions, irrespective of whether they are religious or non-religious in nature.

No incidents of violence, damage to public property or injuries were reported during the demolition drive. Authorities said the operation was completed successfully and peacefully under close police supervision.

Mumbai: The repair work of BMC’s 1200 mm diameter water pipeline near the drain in Kurla Sakinaka 90 feet Tilak Nagar, Mumbai was successfully completed this morning, after which water supply has now been restored in the affected areas of Kurla. The water pipe, which is about 5 meters deep from the road surface, was completely opened and its damaged part was replaced. This pipeline was affected during excavation and after the pipeline burst, the residents of Kurla have been worried about water for two days and the water supply was completely stopped here, but now it has been restored again. Technical difficulties also arose during the excavation because on one side there was a 300 mm diameter gas pipeline of Mahanagar Gas Limited MGL and on the other side the foundation of a bridge was laid, still the engineers and staff carried out the work with utmost care and planning. Ward No. Water supply has been restored in the affected areas of 156,158,161,162,163,171,168,167,166,165,164. Water will be supplied as usual tonight, this information was given by the Mumbai Municipal Corporation today. According to BMC, there is a possibility of delay in water supply and low pressure at night, therefore, caution is required while supplying water to citizens.

Mumbai: In a major drive to tighten control over firearms and ensure stricter regulation, the Mumbai police have revoked 524 gun licences and issued only 87 new ones over the past two-and-a-half years following a comprehensive review of existing permit holders.

According to the police data, the crackdown intensified in 2024 when 255 licences were cancelled followed by the revocation of 242 permits in 2025. This year, 27 licences have been scrapped till March 31. In contrast, the number of new licences granted has remained relatively low. Mumbai police issued 17 new gun licences in 2024, 66 in 2025 and four till March 31 this year.

The police received 122 applications for new permits in 2024; just 30 of them were approved. In 2025, seven out of 117 applications were passed. This year, up to March 31, the police received 44 applications; of which three have been approved.

Nearly 11,500 firearm licences have been issued in the past. However, a series of incidents prompted authorities to undertake a detailed review of firearm ownership. The move gained urgency following the murder of former corporator Abhishek Ghosalkar in February 2024. The accused, Mauris Noronha, had allegedly used a licensed pistol belonging to his security guard. Another high-profile case occurred in October 2024 when actor-politician Govinda sustained a serious leg injury after his licensed revolver “accidentally discharged”.

Police said licences were revoked for several reasons, including failure to provide adequate justification for possessing a firearm, nonrenewal of licences, criminal antecedents and instances of misuse. “The objective is to ensure that firearms remain only in the hands of individuals with legitimate security requirements,” a senior police officer said.

The officer added that while gun licences are primarily granted for personal protection, many applicants fail to meet the prescribed eligibility criteria. “We have observed a worrying trend of people applying for firearm licences without valid grounds. The scrutiny process has therefore been strengthened to prevent unnecessary proliferation of weapons,” the officer said.