A civic official with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has been swiftly transferred following public outrage over the demolition of a Jain temple in Mumbai’s Vile Parle area.

Navnath Ghadge, who oversaw the K-east ward, was relieved of his duties with immediate effect, municipal commissioner Bhushan Gagrani confirmed on Saturday. The controversy erupted after BMC’s K-east team razed a Jain ‘chaitalaya’ inside the Neminath Cooperative Housing Society on April 16, labeling it an illegal structure.

The demolition triggered a massive protest march earlier in the day, with over 20,000 participants, including religious leaders, BJP minister Mangal Prasad Lodha, and local MLA Parag Alavani. Paresh Shah of the Maharashtra Gaushala Sangh stated that the community was deeply hurt by the abrupt action. A delegation of demonstrators submitted a memorandum and engaged in a lengthy meeting with Ghadge, demanding his suspension.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray criticized the BMC’s top brass, pointing fingers at the Chief Minister’s Office and Urban Development Minister Eknath Shinde. He called Lodha’s participation in the protest a “political stunt,” alleging that the BJP-led administration failed to safeguard the temple.

Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad condemned the demolition, claiming it occurred before a court verdict could be delivered. She also alleged disrespect toward sacred Jain idols and scriptures. Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar echoed her sentiments, accusing the BJP government of unfairly targeting minority communities.

The BMC commissioner has assured the public that the temple will be rebuilt at the same location.

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