India, May 21 -- One of Mumbai's largest anti-encroachment drives turned tense after a large-scale demolition operation in Bandra's Garib Nagar area triggered protests and clashes.

The Western Railway launched the operation to reclaim railway land estimated to be worth nearly Rs.600 crore, targeting around 500 illegal hutments built on railway property near Bandra railway station. The action was carried out following directions from the Bombay High Court.

According to officials, the land clearance is linked to railway infrastructure expansion plans, including the proposed Integrated Bandra Railway Complex and additional railway line development projects. Authorities stated that the structures posed concerns due to their proximity to rai...