Mumbai: The immersion procession of Lalbaugcha Raja, one of Mumbai’s most iconic Ganesh idols, witnessed massive crowds on Anant Chaturdashi. Amid the heavy turnout, over 100 mobile phones and several gold chains were reported stolen, according to Mumbai Police.

The police have registered more than 100 complaints related to mobile thefts and chain snatching during the event. So far, they have recovered four mobile phones and two gold chains. Authorities also confirmed the arrest of four individuals and the detention of 12 others in connection with chain-snatching cases.

Taking advantage of the large crowds during the visarjan of the Lalbaugcha Raja 2025, the accused carried out thefts in different parts of the procession route. The Lalbaugcha Raja procession draws lakhs of devotees every year in Mumbai.

Yesterday, after a 28-hour journey, the immersion of Mumbai’s most beloved Ganesh idol, Lalbaugcha Raja, finally concluded late on Sunday night, following repeated efforts by organisers, civic officials, and local fishermen to overcome the challenges posed by the sea.

The grand procession began from the Lalbaug pandal on Saturday afternoon and, as per tradition, was expected to reach Girgaon Chowpatty by early Sunday morning. The idol arrived at the beach between 5:00 am and 7:00 am, but what was meant to be a seamless immersion quickly turned into a day-long wait.

The sea turned rough earlier than forecast. A high tide of 4.42 metres hit around 11:40 am, making it impossible to align the idol with the immersion raft. Repeated attempts by the Lalbaugcha Raja Mandal volunteers to move the idol onto the platform failed as the currents lifted the base and destabilised the structure.

Mumbai: Minister of State for Home Affairs Yogesh Kadam has expressed heartfelt gratitude towards the Mumbai Police for their dedicated service in ensuring the safety and security of devotees during the Ganesh festival.

Highlighting the significance of the festival, Kadam said that Ganeshotsav is marked by a surge of devotees, the beats of drums, the sound of aartis, and massive crowds during immersions. Despite such overwhelming gatherings, the police stand vigil day and night to safeguard devotees.

Recalling incidents of stampedes in different parts of the country in the past year, Kadam noted that even though lakhs of devotees gather in Mumbai every year for immersions, the festivities pass peacefully and securely. “The credit for this goes entirely to the discipline and dedicated efforts of the Mumbai Police,” he said.

“Working 12 to 16 hours continuously, standing for hours in the sun or rain, managing crowds and traffic, and patiently communicating with people while respecting their emotions — even in such challenging circumstances, the sense of duty reflected on the faces of police officers is truly commendable,” Kadam remarked.

He further stated that the spirit of service, patience, and dedication of the Mumbai Police guarantees peace and safety during the festival. Calling them the “unsung heroes in the crowd,” Kadam said their efforts ensure that Mumbaikars can celebrate the festival in a safe environment.

Appreciating the disciplined tradition of Maharashtra Police, the minister added, “The service-oriented approach and commitment of the Mumbai Police are the real strength of the state’s security system. I wholeheartedly salute their dedication and sense of duty.”

The central government has announced the release of a commemorative postal stamp and quaternary coin in memory of Acharya Shri Jawaharlal Ji Maharaj, a revered Jain saint, reformer, and national figure whose 150th birth anniversary is being observed this year.

Mumbai-based social and cultural organisation, Jaskaran Bothra Foundation, which has been pursuing this initiative for the last two decades, said that the honour marks a moment of profound cultural and historical significance for the nation. A gazette notification for the commemorative coin was issued by the finance ministry on September 1.

Siddharth Bothra, trustee, Jaskaran Bothra Foundation, Mumbai, expressed gratitude for the government decision. “This is a proud moment not just for the Jain community, but for the entire nation. Honouring Acharyaji with a commemorative stamp and coin is a recognition of his immense contributions to India’s freedom, social reforms, and nation-building.”

The acharya was advisor to national leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Morarji Desai, who sought his guidance on matters of national importance, inspired by his wisdom and moral authority.

The saint actively supported the freedom movement, promoted the principle of non-violence, and use of swadeshi products and ideals. He campaigned against caste-based discrimination, and championed the cause of women’s education. Communities. He opposed blind faith and promoted the establishment of institutions to provide medical and educational aid to the poor. “His ideas about education of girls and caste-based discrimination were modern for the times,” said Bothra.

The Jaskaran Bothra Foundation has sent an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to preside over the national-level ceremony to release the commemorative stamp and coin. The event will bring together saints, monks, spiritual leaders, eminent dignitaries, and followers from across the country.