- By Nidhi Giri
- Mon, 09 Dec 2024 11:08 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Mahayuti Govt Swearing-In: Thieves stole items cumulatively valued at Rs 12 lakh, including gold chains, mobile phones, and cash, during the swearing-in ceremony of the new Maharashtra government at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai on December 5, 2024. The theft occurred as people were leaving the event, which was attended by prominent political, business, and entertainment figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The high-profile event saw Devendra Fadnavis returning as chief Minister after a five-year hiatus, alongside Shiv Sena’s Eknath Shinde and NCP’s Ajit Pawar, who were sworn in as deputy chief ministers.
The ceremony was a grand affair attended by top political figures and industry personalities, and was secured by more than 4,000 police officers deployed across the venue and its surrounding areas. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the notable guests at the event, which attracted over 40,000 supporters of the Mahayuti alliance.
According to the police, the theft took place as people were exiting the venue through gate number two of the venue. The thieves took advantage of the large crowd and stole valuables, including gold chains, mobile phones, and wallets.
“The thieves, who stole gold chains, phones and picked wallets, took advantage of people exiting the event from gate number two. Personnel from the police station and Crime Branch are working to nab the accused," an official told the news agency PTI.
An official from Azad Maidan police station confirmed that FIRs have been lodged against unidentified persons, and efforts are underway to catch the suspects.
The police are currently reviewing CCTV footage to help identify the culprits. No arrests have been made yet.
The swearing-in ceremony marked the formation of the new Mahayuti government, following two weeks of intense negotiations between the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP after the state assembly elections. The Mahayuti alliance won 230 seats in the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly, securing a majority.
(With Agency Inputs)