A confrontation between Buddhist monks and civic authorities has sparked controversy in Kalyan after a demolition drive targeted parts of the Buddha Bhoomi Foundation complex in Ashok Nagar, Waldhuni, on May 30.
The action was carried out by the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) using bulldozers, JCB machines and cranes, accompanied by a heavy police presence. Civic authorities linked the demolition to the construction of a proposed four-lane flyover connecting Prem Auto and Vitthalwadi.
The operation affected several religious and community structures, including Buddhist stupas, memorial installations, monks’ residences and other portions of the Buddha Bhoomi Foundation complex.
Monks Allege Demolition Without Due Process
Senior monk Bhante Gautamratna Mahathero and other monks opposed the drive, alleging that authorities proceeded without showing a legal order, conducting hearings or following due process for relocating religious structures.
According to monks associated with the foundation, several of them lay in front of heavy machinery to prevent the removal of sacred structures, including a Buddha statue and memorial installations. Videos circulating on social media showed tense scenes, with monks pleading with officials as demolition machinery moved forward.
The monks also alleged that Buddha statues were removed without following customary religious procedures associated with relocating sacred objects.
Foundation representatives further claimed that police restrained senior monks, including Bhante Gautamratna, while others were pushed and threatened during the operation. A formal complaint alleging mistreatment has reportedly been submitted to police.
Foundation Claims Religious and Cultural Damage
The Buddha Bhoomi Foundation, which traces its presence in the area to the 1970s with formal documentation dating back to around 1980–81, houses religious and social spaces connected to Ambedkarite and Buddhist heritage, including dharamshalas, gardens and a replica of the Bhima Koregaon Vijay Stambh memorial.
According to foundation members, the demolition resulted in damage to or removal of several religious and cultural structures, including three Buddha statues, three Buddhist stupas, Panchsheel symbols, the Maitreya Buddha Vihar, monks’ residences, agricultural land and trees.
The foundation has accused authorities of hurting Buddhist religious sentiments and demanded criminal action against civic officials, police personnel and individuals linked to the flyover project, including representatives of TNT Infra Private Limited.
KDMC Says Action Was Legal, Land Belongs to Corporation
Amid growing controversy, KDMC Commissioner Abhinav Goyal defended the civic body’s action and said the land required for the flyover project belongs to the municipal corporation and is officially recorded in land documents.
Addressing a press conference, Goyal stated that notices had been issued prior to the demolition and multiple discussions had taken place with representatives of the Buddha Bhoomi Foundation regarding the proposed clearance work.
He also said that four statues of Gautam Buddha and other materials found within the affected area were carefully removed and safely handed over to representatives of the foundation.
The commissioner added that the administration remains open to discussions if the foundation wishes to raise further concerns regarding the project.
Protests Intensify, Hunger Strike Begins
The demolition has triggered protests and demonstrations by members of the Buddhist community and local residents over the past several days.
Monks and foundation members have begun an indefinite hunger strike, alleging that the demolition disrespected a long-standing site of worship and remembrance.
The controversy has drawn strong reactions from Buddhist groups, who accuse authorities of acting insensitively toward minority religious and cultural sites during civic projects.
