News: Press Trust of India
Exclusive Pictures: Rons Bantwal - Daijiworld News Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, July. 30: Civic authorities today continued the demolition of seven unauthorised structures near the controversial Sara-Sahara complex in south Mumbai.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had started pulling down the seven structures in Munim Compound yesterday.

However, the BMC does not have any orders as yet to demolish the Sara-Sahara complex, allegedly owned by underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, in the same compound.

"We have pulled down five structures so far and are going ahead with demolition of the remaining two. We hope it will be over by tonight," said Vijay Balamwar, Assistant Municipal Commissioner, who is in charge of the demolition.

"But as to Sara and Sahara, we have no orders yet," he said.

BMC Commissioner Johny Joseph had told reporters yesterday that the structures being pulled down were totally illegal.

As regards Sara-Sahara complex, Joseph said the occupants had initially obtained permission to build godowns or storage places, but later manipulated rules to construct shops.

The Urban Development Department turned down a plea to regularise the shops but the occupants then moved the Bombay High Court which granted a status-quo order, he said.

Another petition seeking a stay on the demolition of Sara-Sahara complex was filed in Supreme Court on Friday and it will be heard tomorrow.