Even as thousands of Mumbaikars thronged the roads to bid adieu to Lalbaugcha Raja during the immersion procession, thieves went about their business by flicking mobile phones and valuables, undeterred by the police deployment.

Police registered 32 cases against unidentified people for stealing mobile phones, jewellery, other valuables and wallets during the immersion procession in central Mumbai, an officer said on Wednesday. Police tactically deployed personnel en route the Lalbaugcha Raja’s procession, he said. “As devotees were busy bidding farewell to Lord Ganesh, thieves stole mobile phones, gold ornaments, gadgets, bags, purses and wallets,” the officer said.