Mumbai: In a bizarre yet symbolic protest, residents of Vasai, which is just 30 kilometres away from Mumbai, turned up dressed as ghosts at the Ward Committee office of the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) recently to voice their anger over the installation of playground and gym equipment inside a Hindu cemetery.
Clad in white sheets with eerie face makeup, the protestors staged a silent yet powerful demonstration, sarcastically 'thanking' civic officials for caring for the departed souls by installing swings, bars and fitness structures in their resting place.
Viral Video Shows Ghosts At Municipal Office
The protest was in response to the civic body’s decision to place playground and gym equipment inside the Benapatti Hindu cemetery in Vasai. The move, seen as insensitive and disrespectful by the locals, triggered widespread outrage. Videos circulating on social media captured the unusual sight of men and women dressed as spirits walking solemnly to the municipal office, where they offered flowers to officers as a token of mock appreciation.
The protestors questioned the very logic behind setting up recreational infrastructure in a burial ground, calling it a gross misuse of public space and a violation of cultural and religious sentiments. Residents also pointed out that an open ground nearby could have easily served the purpose without hurting public sentiments.
Municipal Corporation Removed Equipments After Facing Backlash
The controversy first came to light when images and videos of the cemetery featuring bright swings and exercise bars began circulating online, sparking a wave of criticism. According to an NDTV report, in response to the backlash, the municipal corporation acted swiftly, removing the installed equipment from the site a few days prior to the protest. However, residents insisted on holding the demonstration to ensure accountability and to make sure such decisions are not repeated in the future.
