Bulldozer action in Mumbai's Mira Road day after procession to celebrate Ram Mandir attacked   

Two days after a clash was reported from Mumbai's Mira road, bulldozers razed illegal structures and encroachments in the Naya Nagar area. Reports suggest that the structures that were razed were of those who are accused of pelting stones on the procession that was carried out on Sunday. 

In the Mira Road area, stones were pelted at a procession that was taken to celebrate the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony of Ram Mandir on Sunday. The Municipal Corporation said the action was taken against illegal structures after instructions from the Maharashtra government. 

A cop present at the spot said that after the Jan 21 incident, the police registered an FIR and arrested 13 people on the same day. "We held a road march today to maintain peace in the area. The Corporation has launched a drive today against illegal encroachment. Keeping in mind the situation of the area, we have made heavy deployment (of police)."

A group of 10-12 people in cars and motorcycles had taken out a rally on Sunday night in Naya Nagar in Mira Bhayender, chanting slogans praising Lord Ram. The rally was taken ahead of the scheduled Ram Mandir Pran Pratistha ceremony in Ayodhya. Another group objected to firecrackers being burst during the rally and a scuffle soon broke out between the two groups.  

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said there will be "zero tolerance" against anyone who tried to disturb the law and order situation in the state. He said the police were instructed to take the strictest action against the culprits. "13 have been arrested so far and detailed analysis of CCTV footage is underway to identify and arrest others involved too," Fadnavis said.