Mumbai: The Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (MSHRC) has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Zone-3, to submit a conclusive fact-finding report in response to a complaint filed by Sharda Bagul, a resident of Kalyan against the case of alleged police complicity in Bagul’s forced eviction from her rented store.
Bagul in her complaint has alleged that the police officials from Kolsewadi Police Station through some of aiding her illegal eviction and failing to register her complaint.
According to the complaint, on September 16, 2019, Bagul was confronted by Raghunath and Pratibha Borade—landowners of the rented shop she occupied who allegedly demanded that she vacate the premises immediately.
When Bagul sought assistance from the Kolsewadi police, she alleged that the police refused to register an FIR . Later she discovered the landlord’s allegedly had discussion with Senior Police Inspector Shahu Raje Salve, who allegedly instructed them to forcibly evict her with the help of local youth and police officers.
The next day, Bagul’s shop was broken into, her belongings removed and thrown on the street. Despite attempts to escalate the matter, she alleges that no action was taken by senior police officials. She later filed an application under Section 156(3) of the Criminal Procedure Code in 2020, which was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although two reports have been submitted by DCP Zone-3—dated October 14, 2024, and January 20, 2025—neither adequately addressed the Bagul’s main allegations. The Commission noted “The reports ignored serious claims of police involvement and did not reflect the facts detailed in Bagul’s application”.
Finally the commission has granted the police one final opportunity to submit a report aligned with the complainant’s allegations. “The report must consider all evidence and give Bagul a chance to present her version. The next hearing is scheduled for April 7, 2025,”the commission maintained in its orders.
