General
Bill to allow Sikhs to ride without bike helmets in California

Senators in California voted in favour of a bill that exempts Sikhs from wearing a safety helmet when riding a motorcycle.
The Senate Bill 847, authored by Senator Brian Dahle cleared the state senate this week with a 21-8 vote margin, and will now move to the Assembly.
“Freedom of religion is a core foundation of this country. We, as Americans, have the right to freely express our religion and I believe that right should equally extend to everyone. Any law that limits the ability to express one’s religion, goes against what this country is all about,” Dahle said in a statement after presenting the bill on the senate floor.
“Exempting those who wear turbans or patkas from wearing helmets is a simple way to ensure that everyone’s religious freedoms are protected,” he added.
According to 2021 American Community Survey estimates, 211,000 Sikhs live in California, which is nearly half of all Sikhs living in the US.
The State Senate was told that as of now, no helmet exists in the market that will accommodate a turban or a patka, but according to members of the Sikh community, a turban is a good enough protection.
Currently, 18 states and Washington D.C. have a universal helmet law for all riders. 29 states require helmets for specified riders, generally riders under a certain age (usually 18 or 21).
Only Illinois, Iowa, and New Hampshire have no motorcycle helmet laws.
“Although other countries and our own military make accommodations for Sikhs’ deep beliefs, out of the US states that require helmets, none has exemptions for Sikhs or any other group based on religious practice,” a statement from Dahle’s office read.
This question of helmets for Sikhs has also been debated and considered in other countries, like Canada and the UK.
In Canada, Sikhs are exempt from motorcycle helmet laws in several provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Ontario.
Among the supporters of the bill were the Legendary Sikh Riders, the Sikh Legends of America and the Sikh Saints Motorcycle Club.
According to the Center for Disease Control, more than 5,500 motorcyclists died in 2020, and more than 180,000 were treated in emergency departments for crash injuries.
Maharashtra
Police on High Alert for Bakra Eid: Action Against Communal Elements, Says Police Commissioner Ashutosh Dumbre

Mumbai: As Bakra Eid approaches, the Thane police have heightened vigilance against communal elements and initiated actions to curb any attempts to disturb peace. In a press briefing, Police Commissioner Ashutosh Dumbre emphasized the importance of maintaining law and order during this festive period. He stated that strict enforcement of the prohibition on cow slaughter in Maharashtra is mandatory, and violators will face severe consequences.
To ensure a peaceful environment, the police have increased patrolling in sensitive areas, including Kalyan, Ulhasnagar, Rabodi, Bhiwandi, and Mumbra, which have significant Muslim populations. Dumbre mentioned that additional deployment of forces will be in place during Bakra Eid and other festivities in the region.
The police commissioner emphasized that adherence to the guidelines set forth by the Municipal Corporation during the festival is essential. In collaboration with community leaders and scholars, the police have held meetings to ensure communal harmony. The Qureshi community reassured the police that they will refrain from sacrificing prohibited animals, underscoring a commitment to following the law.
To facilitate the arrival and purchase of goats before Eid, the police have stepped up patrols to prevent any potential difficulties. Precautionary measures have also been established to safeguard livestock traders from harassment. It is mandatory for goats and sacrificial animals to be air-tagged, which will only occur after a veterinary examination.
Commissioner Dumbre reiterated that Islam is a religion of peace and that fostering communal harmony is crucial during this time. In light of the upcoming festivities, the police have issued an alert within the police commissionerate. Special arrangements will be made at Eidgahs and mosques during Bakra Eid. He urged Muslims to conduct their rituals with dignity by avoiding the display of bloodied clothing and weapons and to transport meat discreetly in sealed bags or containers.
The police’s proactive stance aims to ensure that Bakra Eid is celebrated peacefully while upholding the laws of the state. Community cooperation and adherence to regulations will be key in making this festive season a harmonious occasion in Mumbai.
In Maharashtra, there is a complete ban on cow slaughter, and necessary instructions have been given to the police regarding this. Strict action will be taken against anyone who violates this ban. It was stated that cleanliness is half of faith, so during the process of sacrifice, waste and other items should be packed in bags and disposed of in bins, adhering to the guidelines and Islamic methods for sacrifice. The police commissioner advised that photos and videos of the sacrifice process should not be taken, as many people upload these images and videos on social media, which may hurt the religious sentiments of others and pose a risk of spreading religious hatred. The police commissioner urged Muslims to avoid such actions.
Maharashtra
Dhule Alert: Crores of rupees recovered from a room in a government rest house – Case registered against three including PA of Panchayat Raj Samiti Chairman Arjun Khotkar

Dhule, Maharashtra: The case of recovery of crores of rupees in cash from room number 102 of the government rest house in the district has created a stir in political circles. In this case, the police have registered a case against three people including Kishor Patil, personal assistant (PA) of Panchayat Raj Samiti President Arjun Khotkar.
According to sources, the police raided the government rest house located in the heart of Dhule city on the basis of secret information.
During the search, a huge amount of cash was recovered from room number 102, the estimated value of which is being told in crores. The police suspect that this amount was brought for political use or illegal transactions before the municipal elections.
On the basis of the investigation so far, the police have registered a case under the Indian Penal Code and Prevention of Corruption Act against Kishor Patil, considered close to Arjun Khotkar, and two other persons – whose identity has been kept confidential for the time being.
Giving information to the media, Dhule Superintendent of Police said, “The matter is being investigated in depth. The legal validity of the recovered amount, its source and what it was going to be used for – is being investigated. The interrogation of the accused is going on and if needed, other people will also be brought under the ambit of interrogation.” Meanwhile, this matter has created a stir in the political corridors. The opposition has lodged a strong protest calling it a case of “black money” of the ruling party. At the same time, no official response has come from Arjun Khotkar so far. Further action: At present, the police have seized the cash and the process of sending it for forensic investigation has been started. The interrogation of accused Kishore Patil and two other persons is going on. The police is also trying to find out on whose instructions and for what purpose this cash was brought to the rest house.
Maharashtra
Major Reshuffle in Mumbai Police: Multiple DCPs Transferred

Mumbai, May 30, 2025: In a significant administrative move, the Mumbai Police Establishment Board has ordered the transfer of several Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs), following a meeting held on April 30, 2025. The reshuffle aims to enhance operational efficiency and streamline law enforcement across the city.
Part A: Internal Transfers within Mumbai Police
- Krishna Kant Upadhyay, previously in charge of Headquarters-1, has been transferred to serve as DCP, Zone 3.
- Dattakishan Salgar, who was with the Prohibition and Narcotics Branch, will now head Zone 10.
- Mahesh Bhanushali Chimte, earlier in charge of Protection, has been posted to Zone 11.
- Narayana Dakhale, who was posted in Zone 6, will now lead the Special Crime Branch.
- Vijaykant Namdev Samar, transferred from Zone 7, has been appointed as Port Police DCP.
- Prashant Ashokdas Pardeshi, previously responsible for Mantralaya Security, has been posted to Traffic (South).
- Ninit Gokhale will now serve in the Special Force Unit (Anti-Naxal Operation).
- Vikas Kavade, from Zone 9, has been transferred to Special Branch-2.
- Purushottam Ramrao Kale, formerly with Crime Branch-1, is now posted to the Andheri Crime Branch.
- Salim Bh. Gulate, previously in Zone 10, will now serve as DCP (Crime Branch, General).
Part B: Transfers from Outside Mumbai to Mumbai
- Sameer Arshad Shaikh, Police Officer from Satara (transferred on 23/04/2025), has been posted as DCP, Zone 6.
- Rakesh Aol, Police Officer from Akola (transferred on 26/04/2025), has been posted as DCP, Zone 7.
- Raj Tilak Roshan, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Law & Order), Maharashtra State, Mumbai (transferred on 27/04/2025), has been posted to the Disclosure Department.
All newly appointed officers have been instructed to take charge immediately and confirm their joining with the Senior Administration Office (PS-3). This major reshuffle is expected to bring fresh leadership to crucial zones and departments within Mumbai Police and is seen as a step toward strengthening the city’s law and order mechanisms.
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