Under the Mumbai B Department, recently, the ‘B’ Department of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation took action against 9 unauthorized shops, iron pillars installed on the road for parking of unauthorized vehicles, unauthorized nameplates of shops and other encroachments in Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Marg and Dongri area. This action was taken under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner (Zone 1) Chanda Jadhav and led by Assistant Commissioner Yogesh Desai. It was found that unauthorized shops and encroachments on the footpath in Vallabhbhai Patel Marg and Dongri area in ‘B’ Department were causing hindrance to pedestrians. In this backdrop, the Conservation, Encroachment Removal and Licensing Departments working under the ‘B’ Administrative Division (Ward) of the Municipal Corporation jointly conducted a drive. During this operation, 9 unauthorized shops, encroachments on the footpath, unauthorized additional constructions of shops, iron pillars installed on the road for parking of unauthorized vehicles and unauthorized name plates of shops were removed. During this, eviction action was also taken against unauthorized hawkers in the area.

Officers and employees of the Conservation, Encroachment Removal, Licensing and Solid Waste Management Department working under the ‘B’ Administrative Division participated in this operation. Adequate security was deployed by the Dongri Police Station at that time.

Meanwhile, the administration is making it clear that regular action will continue against unauthorized constructions and unauthorized hawkers.

In the current situation, when the Muslims of Palestine, Gaza and Lebanon are suffering from severe oppression and the entire Muslim Ummah is in turmoil and anguish, organizing such a program would certainly hurt the feelings of the Ummah. The Saudi government’s stopping the program in Jeddah is a positive step that is commendable. It should be noted that two days ago, the Raza Academy had issued a press statement against this program.

The officials of the Raza Academy said that the land of the Two Holy Mosques is a center of devotion and respect for Muslims all over the world, therefore it is very important to avoid such measures there that are contrary to religious and moral values.

The statement further said: “We hope that the Saudi government will continue to avoid all such programs that hurt religious sensitivities in any way, taking into account the feelings of the Muslim Ummah, Islamic traditions and the current global situation.”

Finally, the President of the Raza Academy, Alhaji Muhammad Saeed Nouri, expressed his happiness over the decision of the Saudi government.

A shocking case has come to light from Mumbai where a so-called ‘Baba’ has been exposed for influencing people in the name of superstition and Tantric rituals. Mumbai’s Dandoshi police station has arrested a man named Ridham Panchal (37), who claimed to be a charismatic worker and could solve people’s problems.

It is alleged that the Baba performed strange and terrifying Tantric rituals using cremation ashes, goat liver, lemon, incense sticks and kumkum (sindoor). He used to create a mysterious atmosphere for people. After the puja, he would ask them to tie all the items in a red cloth and keep them at a deserted intersection, which would create both fear and belief among people.

The most shocking thing is that during the puja, the Baba used to claim that a “goddess” would appear. In this alleged state, he would offer solutions to people’s problems, gradually developing a “charismatic image”, and a large number of people started contacting him with their problems. This continued for about six months, but the baba’s activities started disturbing the locals. Suspicious activities at night, strange things, and increasing crowds worried the locals. Finally, the neighbors got the courage and filed a complaint with the police. On receiving the complaint, the Mumbai Police swung into action and started an investigation. Investigation revealed that the baba was exploiting people’s emotions and problems to spread superstition. After his arrest, the accused was produced in the court from where he was remanded in police custody till April 19. The police are now investigating who else is involved in this whole matter and how many people this so-called baba has trapped. This case once again brings to light the spread of superstition in the society and its dangerous effects. Where people rely on false miracles instead of science and law to solve their problems.