BMC to fine Raza Academy for razing memorial

BMC claimed on Thursday to have lodged a complaint against Raza Academy, which organised a rally at Azad Maiden two months ago that turned violent. It will also recover a fine from the academy.

After corporators demanded to know at a statutory standing committee meeting why there was no action against the academy, which they believe was also responsible for desecration of Amar Jawan Jyoti, Additional Municipal commissioner Mohan Adtani said: "BMC has already registered a complaint with Mumbai Police and we are awaiting a response. Police have gathered evidence against the perpetrators. If they do not pay fine, we will take Raza Academy to court."

He said reconstruction of the 1857 memorial outside CST cost the civic body Rs 3,12,480.

"We need to recover some of the money from Raza Academy, which was directly involved. They at least need to be held accountable for the incident," said coprorator Mahesh Parkar.

Consisting of a cannon, a stone wall and a rifle enclosed in a fibreglass, the 400-square-foot Amar Jawan Jyoti was built in 2009 at a cost of Rs 25 lakh in memory of martrys Sayyed Hussain and Mangal Gadiya who were accused of involvement in the 1857 revolt and gunned down at Azad Maidan.

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