India, Feb. 6 -- There were tense scenes in Agarwal Nagar in Vasai East on Wednesday as residents blocked civic authorities from demolishing two unauthorised buildings and threatened to self-immolate if they weren't rehabilitated. The authorities had to call for additional police personnel to bring the situation under control.

The demolition process began in November with nine unoccupied buildings out of the 41 illegally constructed on private land. The eviction and demolition of occupied homes began on January 23, with 16 buildings razed so far.

Just as civic authorities were about to begin the demolition work on Wednesday, the residents set up a camp on the street, demanding rehabilitation. The protestors were heard saying, "Rehabilit...