Thane Municipal Corporation Demolishes Two More Illegal Buildings In Diva-Shil; Ex-Assistant Commissioner Suspended For Inaction

The Encroachment Department of the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has initiated the demolition of two more unauthorized buildings in the Khan Compound area of Diva-Shil, Thane. Additionally, former Assistant Municipal Commissioner Farooque Shaikh has been suspended by TMC Commissioner Saurabh Rao.

Following a directive from the High Court, the TMC’s Encroachment Department launched a crackdown on illegal structures in the Diva-Shil area on Tuesday morning. The operation was conducted under heavy police protection, which included the presence of a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) and multiple police inspectors. Two unauthorized buildings were demolished as part of Tuesday’s drive.

According to civic officials, a total of 21 illegal buildings have now been identified—up from the earlier estimate of 17. So far, 16 illegal buildings have been demolished, and action on the remaining five will be taken in the coming days.

Prashant Rode, Additional Municipal Commissioner, confirmed that Commissioner Saurabh Rao has suspended Farooque Shaikh, the former Assistant Commissioner of the Diva Ward, who served from 2022 to 2023. Shaikh was appointed to take action against illegal constructions during his tenure but is accused of failing to act.

The demolition operation was carried out with a significant police presence, including one Deputy Commissioner of Police, two Assistant Commissioners, six Police Inspectors, 16 Assistant Inspectors, 80 SRPF personnel, and riot control forces. The operation involved the use of six demolition machines and two jaw cutters.

Since the campaign began on June 13, a total of 13 buildings have been fully demolished, with partial action taken against three others.