at the hands of mumbai police

Throughout the week, there have been numerous reports from Mandala of beatings with lathis (6-8 foot bamboo canes) at the hands of Mumbai police. Burns and related injuries have also been reported from the fire of 9 May. The effects of this devestation on the children of Mandala are well-documented. There are reports that those sustaining injuries have been purposely turned away from Shatabdi Hospital (Mumbai) by police and denied admission for treatment. It is confirmed that several burn victims from Mandala have also been systematically denied medical attention.

Mandala child with burns. He was denied treatment at

Shatabdi Hospital by police. [12 May 2006]

7-month-old baby in Mandala, injured while mother was being beaten by a police constable from behind.


On 12 May, there was a large morcha (demonstration) to the Shivaji Nagar police station (Mumbai) demanding an explanation for the human rights violations held during and after the demolition. The police in the Mankurd (at Govandi Road) stopped the morcha. Later, a delegation of community leaders and 13 affected people went to meet the Deputy Collector to report their grievances and seek redress. The DCP Mr. Ravindra Sengaokar denied a lathi charge. 10 persons including 3 women were arrested during the demolition, and afterward, were remanded to police custody until the 18th of May. They are facing charges for attempt to murder, rioting, illegal assembly, etc. About 45 complaints of atrocities were sent to the police on 12 May, challenging their denial of lathi charge.

(Source: Maju Varghese, Eviction Watch)