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.

Palghar, Maharashtra: A 17-year-old boy tragically drowned while swimming in a well near the crematorium ground in Dhumal Nagar, Vasai, on Sunday afternoon.

The deceased, identified as Masoom Samsul Khan, a resident of Vasai, originally from Uttar Pradesh. He was the son of Jinat Samsul Khan, who works in a private company.

Rescue Efforts and Medical Response

According to police, Masoom had gone swimming in the well when he accidentally drowned. Fire brigade personnel retrieved his body and rushed him to Nagnath Municipal Hospital in Tulinj, Nalasopara East, where doctors declared him dead before admission at 9:50 a.m.

he Pelhar Police have registered an accidental death case under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The cause of death has been recorded as drowning.

Assistant Police Inspector Yuvraj Choudhary is conducting further inquiries.