How cops kept Mumbai calm

Cops patrolling the Bhendi Bazaar area. Pic/Sameer Markande

On the day of the Ram Temple inauguration, the city police were vigilant in preventing any untoward incidents, unlike those seen in Mira Road and Panvel. Thanks to their best efforts, the city remained calm during the most sensitive times. Only a few minor clashes between individuals were reported, resulting in four FIRs being registered.

According to the Mumbai police, around 300 rallies were carried out in Mumbai, and approximately 500 individuals were detained in preventive actions. Approximately 3,500 police personnel were deployed on the streets of Mumbai. Reserved forces, including SRPF and riot control units, were stationed, and flag marches were conducted in sensitive areas.

Police near Minara Masjid in Pydhonie on Monday. Pic/Sameer Markande

A senior officer of the Mumbai police stated, "All senior officers remained vigilant throughout the night - DCPs, ACPs, and Sr PIs patrolled the streets. Not a single group clash was reported; all minor incidents of individual clashes were handled with caution, and FIRs were registered where necessary." The officer also added that a dedicated team was monitoring social media platforms, and thousands of posts that were sensitive in nature and could hurt religious sentiments were removed with the help of these platforms.

According to the Mumbai police, on January 22, around 4 FIRs for hurting religious sentiments were registered in different police stations in Mumbai. The first FIR was against a student staying at a hostel in Govandi, identified as Prithviraj Jogdand, 23. Jogdand allegedly posted a status on his WhatsApp using derogatory language against Lord Ram and the Ram Temple inaugurated in Ayodhya by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The second FIR, registered at Vakola police station, was against Said Quraishi for allegedly insulting the saffron flag of Lord Ram. The third case was registered by Bhoiwada police, where the accused is identified as Mufeez Ahmed, 55. According to the FIR, Ahmed, along with others, removed the saffron flag hoisted by the Parel society, which hurt the sentiments of other residents who were celebrating the Ram Temple inauguration. 12 more accused in this case are shown as wanted.

The fourth case is registered by V P Road police station against two unknown individuals for allegedly using derogatory language against four bikers chanting Jai Shree Ram while moving from Sindhi Galli to Islampura area in Girgaon. The incident happened in the afternoon and was handled by senior officers who dispersing the crowd. After the police assured of taking action, the crowd dispersed by evening.

According to sources, apart from these FIRs, around one dozen minor incidents were reported, which were smoothly handled by the police with the help of both community leaders and the locals. "During such times, locals and community leaders always come forward to help the police, and that is the biggest strength of the city police," said an officer.

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No of accused still wanted