Mumbai: The Kalachowki police have booked a Jain spiritual leader and unidentified members of a housing society for allegedly inciting hatred, threatening a resident and vandalising his vehicles, resulting in damages estimated at Rs 2 lakh.

About The Case

According to the FIR, Nirmal Kumar Ajayraj Sothani, 62, a businessman in the crusher machine industry, resides in Magnum Tower in Chivda Galli, Lalbaug, along with his wife and son. He alleged that Jain spiritual leader Nileshchandra even filed a false police complaint. Sothani alleged that after purchasing the flat six years ago, the society’s chairman, members and some residents continued to harass him and his son over parking disputes.

He added that he had repeatedly submitted written requests to the managing committee, seeking additional parking space. However, the committee allegedly targeted and antagonised him. The police complaint further said that religious programmes organised by the Jain community were being held on the building’s ground floor throughout the year, often involving the unauthorised use of gas cylinders and stoves for cooking. Sothani said that he had filed a complaint with the BMC, after which the civic officials conducted a raid on August 1 and confiscated the stoves and cylinders.

The action led to resentment among the residents, said the businessman, adding that they allegedly misinformed Nileshchandra about his involvement. In response, the latter is accused of delivering an inflammatory speech, urging residents to boycott Sothani and his son, and threatening to prevent them from entering the building. The businessman claimed that Nileshchandra also filed a false police complaint against him and his son.

On the same day following the BMC raid, some residents allegedly vandalised three of Sothani’s vehicles – an Ertiga, a Fortuner and a Suzuki Invicto – and smashed their windows. The move jeopardised their safety, he underlined. The Kalachowki police have registered a case under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections 324(5) [whoever commits mischief and thereby causes loss or damage to the amount of one lakh rupees or upwards] and 351(2) [criminal intimidation].

Mumbai: In a comprehensive briefing on Mumbai’s security landscape, Police Commissioner Deven Bharti on Monday detailed the city’s readiness to counter threats ranging from terrorism and cybercrime to drug trafficking and urban Naxalism. He assured citizens that the force is fully equipped and unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding Mumbai.

Bharti emphasised that despite the passage of time, Mumbai continues to face a persistent threat of terrorist attacks. He stated that ensuring preventive measures and strengthening the city’s security remains the department’s top priority. “Mumbai, being the financial capital of the country, remains on the radar of terrorist elements. We are constantly working to safeguard it,” he said.

Police Commissioner Deven Bharti Acknowledges The Presence Of Urban Naxal Elements In The City

Acknowledging the presence of urban Naxal elements in the city, Bharti revealed that a dedicated unit monitors and acts against such threats daily. He also disclosed that over 1,000 illegal Bangladeshi nationals have been deported in recent months as part of intensified action against unlawful residency. Bharti assured that all threat calls received in Mumbai will be treated seriously, with each incident being thoroughly investigated. Over 90% of the hoax or real threat cases have resulted in arrests, he said.

Following the recent firing at comedian Kapil Sharma’s cafe in Canada by the Bishnoi gang, the Mumbai Police have taken all necessary precautions and have provided adequate security to Sharma and his family, he pointed out. The Commissioner pointed to the long-standing issue of drug trafficking and the rapidly rising cases of cybercrime as two major challenges for the city.

Special efforts are being made to curb both these threats, he claimed. In the last two years, the Mumbai Cyber Cell has prevented financial frauds worth over Rs 300 crore and has arrested several accused. The department receives over 2,000 cyber fraud-related calls daily, and nearly 60 lakh bank accounts have been frozen as part of ongoing investigations. Bharti underlined that increased focus will be given to ensuring women’s safety across Mumbai.

Mumbai: Days after protesters tore down the tarpaulin covering at Dadar Kabutarkhana, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Monday reinstalled the cover by erecting tarpaulin sheets over bamboo sticks. Mumbai Police also set up barricades around the premises to prevent citizens from feeding pigeons.

A senior civic official said that the covering was done as per Bombay High Court (HC) directions, which prohibit pigeon feeding at the site. “The structure will remain covered until the court decides the next course of action, The cover was reportedly put up early on Monday to avoid clashes and that the BMC has asked Mumbai Police to maintain a presence in the area.

Riot Control Police Deployed At Kabutarkhana

On Sunday, an unusual scene unfolded at the Kabutarkhana as Riot Control Police were deployed to prevent violence. This came after Saturday’s incident when a man, identified as Mahendra D. Sanklecha (55) of Gazdar Street, Chirabazar, drove up with a food grain tray mounted on his car roof to feed pigeons.

Local residents stopped him, leading to heated arguments. Sanklecha reportedly claimed that 12 more cars with similar grain trays were on their way. Following a complaint by Sandesh Vikram Matkar (57), a junior supervisor from BMC’s G-North ward, Shivaji Park Police registered an FIR against Sanklecha.

Kabutarkhanas are open public spaces traditionally used for feeding pigeons, a practice deeply rooted in local culture and religious sentiment. The Dadar Kabutarkhana, built in 1933 and managed by a local trust, has long been a hub for bird enthusiasts and religious communities.

BMC Action After Bombay HC Directive

The BMC’s action follows the Bombay High Court’s July 30 order directing authorities to curb illegal and defiant pigeon feeding in public areas, particularly in Dadar West, due to health hazards such as fungal infections and respiratory problems. The HC also instructed the formation of an expert committee to assess the issue and, if in agreement with the BMC, suggest alternative arrangements for the pigeons. Civic officials have hinted that controlled, staggered feeding may be allowed depending on the committee’s recommendations.

The High Court will hear the Advocate General for Maharashtra and other parties on the committee formation on August 13. Meanwhile, the Marathi Ekikaran Samiti has called for a major protest at Dadar Kabutarkhana on the same day, demanding strict enforcement of the feeding ban and closure of kabutarkhanas.