Allegations of forced consent, exploitation surface in Dharavi survey
Congress MP Varsha Gaekwad accuses Adani surveyors of coercing consent to displace poor
Mumbai: Congress Member of Parliament Varsha Gaekwad has leveled serious accusations against the ongoing survey in Dharavi, alleging that senior citizens and disabled residents are being coerced and exploited by surveyors.
In a scathing post on X, Gaekwad claimed that surveyors are preying on vulnerable residents, particularly when younger family members are away, and are forcibly obtaining consent.
Gaekwad's post on X, carrying hashtags like #ModaniHataoMumbaiBachao and #Dharavi included video and audio evidence to support her claims. She stated that an Adani surveyor was allegedly caught on audio instructing a colleague to "hold the hand and put it up" to forcibly obtain an old lady's thumb impression on a consent form. Another family reportedly described how disabled members were harassed and survey numbers were affixed to their homes without their consent.
The MP characterised the alleged actions as "state-sponsored exploitation" and a "fraudulent 'survey'," asserting that the real "master plan" is to "scare, manipulate, and evict" poor families to "gift Mumbai's heartland to one man: Modi's best friend, Adani."
Gaekwad demanded an immediate halt to the survey, declaring, "Dharavi will not bow. We stand with our elders. We stand against Adani Sarkar."
SHOCKING! This is not a survey, this is state-sponsored exploitation. See this video.
— Prof. Varsha Eknath Gaikwad (@VarshaEGaikwad) July 16, 2025
In Kamala Nagar, Dharavi, when families refused to give in to Adani Sarkar’s lies, they waited till the young were away at work — and then preyed on our elders.
Old, frail senior citizens were… pic.twitter.com/IaCCqfpvDa
The Dharavi Redevelopment Project, led by the Maharashtra government and Adani Group, aims to redevelop one of Asia's largest slums into a modern urban center. However, critical opposition arises from deep-seated concerns over the project's true intent and its impact on residents. Critics argue the project is primarily a profit-driven land grab, not genuine urban upliftment, pointing to alleged coercive tactics during surveys and insufficient rehabilitation plans. Key grievances include inadequate proposed housing (350 sq ft), potential displacement of a vibrant informal economy, and a lack of transparency and resident consultation in the planning and execution phases.
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Nursing college student from Kerala dies by suicide at hostel, parents allege foul play
Bengaluru (PTI): A 19-year-old student from Kerala, who was studying at a private nursing college here, allegedly died by suicide in his hostel room, police said on Friday.
The deceased was identified as Adhityan P A, a second-year student at a nursing college in Bommasandra, they said.
On April 29, he was found hanging from a ceiling fan in his hostel room, police said, adding that he left behind a suicide note stating that no one was responsible for his death.
Preliminary investigation suggested that he may have been suffering from depression, and there may have been other issues which are being probed, a senior police officer said.
According to police, in his complaint, the deceased's father, Pradeep S, claimed that a college representative informed him upon his arrival in Bengaluru that his son had died under suspicious circumstances and that it was a case of suicide in the college hostel.
"However, I firmly believe that my son would not have taken such a step. He was of good character and mentally strong. Therefore, I strongly suspect foul play in his death," he claimed.
He also highlighted an incident that occurred approximately 20 days ago, when his son informed him that some of his hostel roommates were involved in drug use and were caught by hostel authorities.
"They were warned along with my son, although he was innocent and not involved in the incident. This situation may be relevant to the present case," he stated.
The complainant has urged the police to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the matter and take appropriate legal action.
A case of unnatural death has been registered at Hebbagudi Police Station here. Further investigation is underway, and all allegations are being examined, police said.
