India, April 18 --  At least 35 students belonging to the Pardhi community were unable to take their final exams on Thursday as their homes in Borivali were razed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), as part of its anti-encroachment drive.

Sixty huts along the Chikuwadi drain area were removed in the process, with families who claimed to have lived here for over 30 years, losing their homes and belongings, including school bags, books and study materials. The children who could not turn up for the exams attend nearby municipal schools such as Bajaj and Sahyadri schools, while a few attend private institutions.

This was the third demolition drive carried out in the area in a year, said activists. Yogesh Bole, from the C...