Man, son assaulted in Mumbai’s Mira Road over objection to pigeon feeding amid ongoing controversy

Ranjit Andhale, Inspector, Kashimira Police Station, said they have registered an FIR under sections 118(1), 115(2), 352, and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) based on the complaint lodged by the man’s son.

“While no one was hospitalised and the injuries are not serious, we are verifying the claims about the iron rod being used. There was no prior enmity between the parties. Notices have been issued to the suspects, and no arrests have been made yet,” said Andhale.

According to the Kashimira police, Mahendra Patel and his son, Premal, 46, were assaulted Sunday morning at the D B Ozone building near Thakur Mall in Mira Road. Mahendra Patel noticed a woman, identified as A Vyas, 56, feeding pigeons in the common area of the building. Patel reportedly asked her to stop, pointing out that it attracts more pigeons and creates hygiene issues for residents.

The brief exchange escalated into a heated argument, with Vyas allegedly abusing Patel. Premal came to the spot after hearing the commotion, and confronted Vyas over her behaviour towards his father.

The matters escalated further when three others, identified as Somesh Agnihotri, and two unnamed individuals allegedly joined Vyas and physically assaulted the man and his son. According to Premal’s complaint, the group allegedly kicked, punched, and attacked them with an iron rod. One of the accused even attempted to strangulate him, he told the police.