Church demolished in Kalewadi, members question civic action before court hearing

Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune, Maharashtra, September 9, 2026 : A church in Kalewadi's Tapkir Mala area was demolished in a late-night civic operation, with church members alleging that the action was carried out despite a court stay and shortly before a scheduled hearing.

The demolition has raised questions among church members about the legality and timing of the operation, while the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has maintained that the structure was part of a drive against unauthorised constructions in Rajwade Nagar, Kalewadi.

According to the PCMC, the demolition drive was conducted on September 7 under the G Ward office and resulted in the removal of about 7,400 square feet of unauthorised construction.

Church members, however, said they were informed during the night that the structure could be demolished and rushed to the site. They alleged that a large police contingent and heavy machinery had been deployed before their arrival.

Rose, who said she had been associated with the church for about 10 years, claimed that members informed civic officials about a court stay and a hearing scheduled for Monday.

“We had a stay order. The hearing was on Monday. Whatever the court says, we will cooperate,” she said.

She alleged that officials entered the premises and forced members away from the site. She also claimed that members were prevented from photographing or recording the demolition and were threatened with the seizure or damage of their mobile phones.

Another member, Sam, said about 20 to 25 people gathered at the site and began praying after learning that the structure could be demolished. He claimed that heavy machinery, lighting equipment and a large police deployment arrived at around 3 am.

According to Sam, members attempted to remove their belongings but could not retrieve everything before the demolition began.

“Almost more than half of our belongings were left right there,” he said.

He also claimed that the members had not received 24-hour or 48-hour advance notice, which he said would have enabled them to remove their possessions.

The members have also questioned what they described as selective action against the church, alleging that other unauthorised structures exist in the surrounding area.

“If this is an illegal construction, there are many other buildings around the church. Why are those not illegal constructions?” Sam asked.

The PCMC said the operation was carried out with the participation of officials from its Encroachment Demolition Department, engineering departments and zone offices. It said 10 executive engineers, 28 deputy engineers and junior engineers and 16 civil engineering assistants were involved.

The civic body said 11 Poclain machines, five JCBs and 25 manual workers were deployed. Around 55 Maharashtra Security Force personnel provided security, while 12 fire tenders and an ambulance were kept on standby.

The PCMC's statement did not specifically address the court stay or the hearing referred to by the church members.

The immediate issue is whether the demolition complied with any court directions in force at the time and with the applicable civic procedures, including requirements relating to notice.

The Free Press Journal, which reported the incident, said attempts to contact senior PCMC officials for a detailed response were unsuccessful.

Church members are seeking clarification from the civic authorities on the legal basis for the demolition, the notice issued before the operation and the decision to proceed shortly before the scheduled court hearing.

Courtesy : Free Press Journal