Kailash Prabhat CHS Razed To Ground Zero: 65 Families Left Homeless After Forced Eviction

After months of resistance and legal disputes, approximately 65 families from Kailash Prabhat CHS in the BKC-Kurla area have been forcibly evicted and left homeless following the complete demolition of their housing society on August 2, according to Hindustan Times (HT). The site now lies in ruins, a poignant reminder of the shattered lives and broken promises.

Background Of The Eviction

The saga of Kailash Prabhat CHS began in April when the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) issued an eviction notice. Residents, who contested the BMC's classification of their building as a C1 (dangerous) structure, argued that it was a C2b (repairable) category as per assessments by VJTI and other private structural firms. Despite these disputes, the BMC proceeded with the eviction.

The conflict intensified when the BMC cut off essential services-electricity and water-on July 15. Despite these hardships, the residents continued to resist eviction until the end of July. Parvez Majeed, a resident, described the pressure tactics employed by the BMC and the Vakola police, including threats of charges under Section 353 of the IPC for obstructing government officials.

"The disconnection of utilities led to severe challenges, especially for those with health issues," Majeed said in HT. "By the end of July, the situation had become unbearable. On July 29, 30, and 31, the BMC, accompanied by the police, forcibly evicted us, removing our doors and demolishing parts of our homes before the complete demolition on August 2."

Residents' Plight

Many residents were left scrambling for accommodation under dire circumstances. Shabeen Sheikh, a fifth-floor resident, recounted the unsafe and unsanitary conditions during the eviction period. "We faced numerous issues, including falling debris and security lapses. The building was collapsing, and even the fire brigade had to be called. It became increasingly difficult to endure," Sheikh said in HT.

Sheikh and others were eventually relocated, with many moving to Kurla where they are paying around Rs 25,000 for a two BHK flat, a significant downgrade from their previous four BHK homes. Some families had to settle in hotels or with relatives due to the lack of affordable options.

Legal And Developer Disputes

Amid the turmoil, Mehmood Ahmed, another resident, revealed ongoing legal battles in HT. "We are contesting the actions of the BMC and the previous developer in court, seeking justice and accountability. The hurried demolition and the questionable classification of our building as C1 seem to be part of a scheme to dispossess us of valuable property."

Ahmed also mentioned that the previous developer had failed to secure necessary development permissions, which he claims was part of a strategy to force the building's classification into the dangerous category. With no current development agreements in place, residents face an uncertain future, having lost their homes without clear plans for redevelopment.