The recent incident of violence in Nashik during the demolition of an illegal structure around the Satpeer Baba Dargah has sparked significant unrest and raised concerns about law and order, and urban governance.
In the early hours of Wednesday, April 16, 2025, the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC), acting on a Bombay High Court order, initiated the demolition of unauthorized structures built around the decades-old Satpeer Baba Dargah in the Kathe Galli area of Nashik. The demolition drive began around 5:30 am with the deployment of nearly 50 civic personnel, supported by four JCB machines, six trucks, and two dumpers.
Prior to the demolition, the dargah trustees had agreed to the removal of the illegal constructions and had started the process late Tuesday night. However, a large Islamist mob gathered near the site, particularly from the direction of Usmania Chowk, opposing the demolition. Despite efforts by local eminent citizens and senior police officers to pacify the crowd, the mob turned violent, pelting stones at police personnel and officials involved in the operation.
The police responded with tear gas shells and a mild baton charge to disperse the agitators. The clashes resulted in injuries to 21 police personnel and damage to at least three police vehicles. Authorities detained 15 to 22 individuals in connection with the violence and seized 57 motorcycles allegedly used by the mob. The demolition was completed by Wednesday morning, with nearly 90% of the unauthorized structure razed and debris cleared swiftly by municipal vehicles.
The police and civic authorities maintained a heavy presence in the area following the incident to prevent further unrest and rerouted traffic to maintain order. The situation was reported to be peaceful but tense after the clashes subsided.
Background and Legal Context
The Satpeer Baba Dargah had several unauthorized structures built around it over time. The Nashik Municipal Corporation had issued a 15-day notice on April 1, 2025, asking for voluntary removal of these illegal constructions. When no action was taken, the civic body proceeded with the demolition drive, backed by a Bombay High Court order declaring the structures illegal.
Earlier in February 2025, the NMC had removed several unauthorized structures near the dargah during an anti-encroachment drive. However, some Hindu groups and local residents had noticed that the dargah itself was unauthorized and demanded its complete removal. Nashik Central MLA Devyani Pharande also supported clearing the entire site, citing incomplete earlier drives.
Nature of the violence
The violence was characterized by stone-pelting by the mob against police and officials. The crowd reportedly ignored appeals from the local leaders who tried to calm the situation. The police had to resort to lathi-charge and tear gas to control the mob. The injuries to police personnel and damage to vehicles highlighted the severity of the unrest.
The clash erupted late Tuesday night and continued into the early hours of Wednesday. The police detained several individuals involved in the violence and have initiated FIRs and further arrests are expected. The authorities also seized vehicles used by the suspects to prevent further mobilization.
The Seriousness of the Incidents: Need for Strict Vigilance
The incident underscores the need for strict enforcement of laws regarding unauthorized Islamist structures. It is important to note that illegal encroachments undermine urban planning, public order, and the rule of law. The Nashik violence points to the critical need for comprehensive measures to prevent similar incidents in the future:
Law enforcement agencies should prepare for potential unrest during sensitive operations, deploying sufficient personnel and crowd control measures to maintain peace. Rapid response to misinformation and rumors that can inflame passions is vital, including proactive media engagement and community outreach. Firm legal action against those resorting to violence during civic operations is necessary to uphold the rule of law and deter future disruptions.
The Nashik incident involving the demolition of illegal structures around the Satpeer Baba Dargah and the ensuing violence highlights the complex interplay between law enforcement and urban governance. While the authorities acted within the framework of a court order to remove unauthorized encroachments, the violent reaction from Islamists highlights their intransigence and need for firm enforcement to prevent such clashes in the future. It stresses the importance of upholding legal norms and taking decisive action against illegal structures and mob violence to maintain civic order and national integrity.
