• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Mumbai News: A routine Sunday morning turned violent in Mumbai suburb when a dispute over feeding pigeons escalated into a brutal assault. A woman was allegedly beaten with an iron rod and her elderly father was nearly choked during the confrontation outside their residential building.

The NDTV report cited police as stating that, the incident took place when 65-year-old Asha Vyas was feeding pigeons in front of her housing society. Another resident, Mahendra Patel, objected to this practice, citing concerns over cleanliness and health. An argument broke out between the two, prompting Patel’s daughter, Premal Patel, to intervene.

ALSO READ: Man Beats Elderly Stray Dog With Stick In Navi Mumbai, Angry Locals Thrash Him In Viral Video

Premal claimed that as she tried to understand why her father was being abused, Somesh Agnihotri, a resident from Vyas’s building, along with two others, attacked her with an iron rod and attempted to choke her father. The matter was reported to the police and a case has been registered against Vyas, Agnihotri and two unidentified individuals. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts to confirm the sequence of events.

This disturbing incident comes amid growing tension over pigeon feeding in Mumbai. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has recently cracked down on traditional ‘kabutarkhanas’, citing health risks caused by pigeon droppings and feathers.

Following complaints from citizens and the Jain community, CM Devendra Fadnavis directed the BMC to identify alternative locations for pigeon feeding. This decision follows the closure of several feeding spots, including the one in Dadar, where bamboo and tarpaulin covers were installed. Reports claim over 900 pigeons have died since the Dadar kabutarkhana was sealed.

ALSO READ: Mumbai: Goregaon’s Veer Savarkar Flyover To Be Demolished For Coastal Road Link, Triggers Public Outrage

Despite the backlash, BMC officials maintain they are following High Court orders and are preparing to present an action plan on August 7. Penalties worth ₹1.24 lakh have already been issued in 250 cases for unauthorised pigeon feeding between July 3 and August 3.

Meanwhile, animal rights groups and some political leaders have voiced concerns over the treatment of pigeons, urging authorities to first create suitable alternatives before completely shutting down traditional feeding spots.

As the legal and civic battle continues, Sunday’s violent altercation highlights how deeply divided public opinion remains on the issue of pigeon feeding in urban neighbourhoods.