Mumbai: Following the controversy surrounding the “I Love Muhammad” banner in Mumbai, police have filed a case against Ashfaq David for holding an unauthorized rally in Byculla Ghorup Dev. A protest was held yesterday afternoon in Modi Compound with “I Love Muhammad” placards. No police permission was obtained, prompting police to file a case against Ashfaq last night and release him after serving a notice the same night. The case against Ashfaq has been filed for holding an unauthorized rally, but not for writing “I Love Muhammad” (PBUH). Furthermore, attempts are being made to give this matter a religious twist, and communal elements are conspiring to disrupt law and order in Mumbai under the guise of the “I Love Muhammad” banner, which is why police are on high alert. The FIR filed against Ashfaq by Byculla police is registered under sections 223, 37, and 135 of the IPC. Mumbai Police have registered a case under sections 223, 37, and 135 of the I Love Muhammad Act for holding an unauthorized rally as part of the I Love Muhammad movement. This is the first case registered, sparking political debate. AIMIM leader Waris Pathan stated that the case was wrong and could have been filed in an NC case. He added that the police’s action in the I Love Muhammad case is unjustified. “We have the right to protest. No action is taken against those who spread venom against Muslims, but the police immediately file cases against Muslims.” The police have subsequently denied this. This action has angered Muslims, who claim the police are quick to take action against Muslims. The police have since denied this, stating that the case was not filed for displaying the I Love Muhammad banner. There should be no attempt to distort it.

Mumbai: Mumbai’s Shivaji Park, a site deeply embedded in the Marathi cultural and sporting ethos, witnessed yet another historic moment as the renovated Shivaji Park Gymkhana (SPG) was inaugurated in a grand ceremony on Monday. The atmosphere inside the iconic ground was filled with enthusiasm and applause, especially as cricketing legend Bharat Ratna Sachin Tendulkar performed the ribbon-cutting.

The inauguration was marked by loud cheers, with the audience rising to welcome Tendulkar, whose career has long been linked to Shivaji Park. Alongside him, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, Shiv Sena UBT leader Milind Narvekar, Mahesh Sawant and other dignitaries were present to celebrate the occasion.

Speaking at the event, Tendulkar recalled his childhood memories of the park, saying, “I remember spending my childhood here. We used to come to have vada pav, but now this gymkhana is ready, and many people contributed to its creation. Raj Thackeray played an important role in getting permissions and even in shaping the design.”

The gymkhana, which remained closed for nearly a year and a half due to renovation, now sports a refreshed, modern look. Its interiors are done up in shades of Wimbledon green and beige, giving the heritage structure a contemporary touch while preserving its legacy. SPG secured its Occupation Certificate (OC) on September 19 and reopened within three days, much to the delight of its nearly 3,000 member families.

Among the major highlights of the redevelopment is the plan to launch a women’s cricket team, in line with the growing prominence of Indian women’s cricket. The management has ensured proper infrastructure, including separate changing rooms and restrooms for female players, especially those participating in Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) tournaments.

Founded in 1909 as the New Maharashtra Cricket Club, the institution later evolved into the Shivaji Park Gymkhana. The current clubhouse was first inaugurated in 1931, and by 1942, the gymkhana had expanded to its present 19,000 square yards. Over the decades, it has been known as the “Nursery of Indian Cricket,” producing some of India’s finest players.

It was here that Tendulkar began his training under the legendary coach Ramakant Achrekar. For many, SPG remains inseparable from his story, a cradle of talent that continues to shape Mumbai’s cricketing future. With its new look and renewed vision, the Shivaji Park Gymkhana is now ready to inspire generations to come.

Thane: In a major crackdown against wildlife trafficking, the Sakinaka Police successfully foiled an attempt to illegally smuggle two rare gibbon chicks on Sunday. Acting on a tip-off, the police team laid a trap and apprehended the accused while they were in possession of the endangered animals.

According to a social media X post by Mumbai Police, “Both the accused and the rescued animals have been handed over to the Forest Range Officer, Thane, for further action.”

The gibbon chicks were found unharmed and are now under proper care and rehabilitation by forest authorities. The accused are in police custody, with legal proceedings underway.

This incident follows recent seizures by Mumbai Airport Customs in August, where nearly 70 exotic wildlife animals smuggled from Bangkok were recovered in two separate cases.

Officials said some of these animals belong to endangered species protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

Two individuals involved in the trafficking were arrested, highlighting continued vigilance against illegal wildlife trade.