On Monday, the MBMC's anti-encroachment team led by Sanjay Donde under the instructions of civic chief, B.G. Pawar resumed the drive amidst heavy protection provided by the Thane (rural) police. (Representational image)

Mumbai: Twenty-two days after they had to beat a hasty retreat due to stiff resistance by protesting locals, the Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) returned with a strong contingent of policemen on Monday to demolish nearly 500 hutments, which had illegally sprung up on land tagged with Adivasi (Tribal) reservation in the Kajupada area of Kashimira

After razing 50 tenements on April 1, the drive was eventually aborted owing to the marginal presence of police personnel which apparently outnumbered the swelling mob which comprised mostly of women protesters. On Monday, the MBMC's anti-encroachment team led by Sanjay Donde under the instructions of civic chief, B.G. Pawar resumed the drive amidst heavy protection provided by the Thane (rural) police.