Protest outside BMC’s K-East ward office against the transfer of Assistant Municipal Commissioner Navnath Ghatge following the Vile Parle Jain temple demolition | File Photo
Mumbai: On Wednesday, the Municipal Mazdoor Union and Municipal Engineers Association (MEA) staged a protest outside BMC’s K-East ward against transfer of Assistant Municipal Commissioner (ward officer) Navnath Ghatge. Ghatge was abruptly transferred from his post last week as massive protests emerged against demolition of the 90-year old Jain Digambar Temple in Vile Parle.
Ghatge had joined as K-East ward officer mere 15 days ago and was the one who signed the order take the demolition action against the temple. “The temple was built illegally. They had lost cases in Supreme Court and High Court. The case had been in court since years. The ward officer was only following court orders as the stay order ended on April 15. The ward officer was transferred for doing his job. If such actions are taken against officers, it is gives wrong message to other employees,” said MEA executive president Ramesh Bhutekar-Deshmukh.
Protest outside BMC’s K-East ward office against the transfer of Assistant Municipal Commissioner Navnath Ghatge following the Vile Parle Jain temple demolition | File Photo
Deshmukh said that a meeting is scheduled with BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani on the matter.
Deshmukh also condemed the minority commission action to summon the Municipal Commissioner related to demolition of the Jain temple. “As per Allahabad HC order, a commission cannot interfere when the case is heard in the court. The Minority Commission had no right to call upon BMC commissioner and other employees,” Deshmukh said.
Protest outside BMC’s K-East ward office against the transfer of Assistant Municipal Commissioner Navnath Ghatge following the Vile Parle Jain temple demolition | File Photo
The Maharashtra State Minority Commission pulled up the BMC for rushing the demolition of the Digambar Jain Mandir in Vile Parle. It observed that the civic body had a vested interest in demolishing the temple and referred to the demolition procedure as a criminal act.
The commission also noted that while the civil court’s stay lasted till the midnight of April 16, the BMC officer had signed the demolition order on April 15. It has also raised concerns regarding the civic body’s inaction against illegal structure of a nearby hotel, whose owner is accused of influencing the demolition.
The 90-year old Jain temple was demolished by the BMC ward office in the morning of April 16. Later, the BMC cleared the debris and the devotees are allowed to perform religious rituals in the remaining premises. Thousands of Jain community members had flocked the streets in Vile Parle protesting against the temple demolition.
