Dadar Kabutarkhana row: Police register cases against 100+ for violating curbs, targeting BMC cover

by Webdesk
19 Aug 2025

Mumbai: The Dadar Police have filed cases against more than 100 individuals after they allegedly flouted prohibitory orders and attempted to damage the bamboo and tarpaulin covering placed over the Kabutarkhana at Bhavani Shankar Road, Dadar (West). The incident, which unfolded on the morning of August 6, has now escalated into a larger controversy surrounding the closure of the pigeon house.

According to officials, police invoked charges under sections relating to unlawful assembly, violation of prohibitory directives, and destruction of public property. Investigators relied on video evidence as well as eyewitness statements to identify some of the key participants in the protest. Seven individuals have been named directly in the First Information Report (FIR). These include Bandish Rekha Jain (40), Vidyut Bhawarlal Jain (30), Bina Shah (32), Jyoti Kosambi (45), Nilesh Tewadia (55), another person identified only as Jain (52), and Harish Jain (50). In addition to them, 100 to 125 others remain unnamed but have been booked for their role in the agitation.

The complaint was lodged by Police Constable Sachin Dinkar Shiratode, attached to the Dadar Police Station. His statement mentions that around 10 am on August 6, a group of 100–150 protesters, including nearly 40–50 women, assembled at the Kabutarkhana site. This gathering was in violation of the prohibitory orders imposed by the city’s Police Commissioner to avoid unrest. Despite the restrictions, the crowd raised slogans opposing the civic body’s action and expressed anger over the closure of the pigeon-feeding centre.

Witnesses reported that during the demonstration, protesters attempted to tear down the bamboo structure and tarpaulin sheet installed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). In the process, damage was allegedly caused to the protective covering. Police personnel present at the site intervened to prevent further destruction, but the incident still led to registration of multiple offences against those involved.

The Kabutarkhana at Dadar has long been a landmark where devotees and citizens feed pigeons. However, concerns have been repeatedly raised about health hazards caused by pigeon droppings and feathers. Medical experts and civic officials warned that constant exposure to these can lead to respiratory issues and other illnesses. Acting on these inputs, the BMC decided to close the pigeon-feeding house earlier this year.

This move triggered backlash from some local groups and pigeon enthusiasts, who argued that the Kabutarkhana has cultural and religious significance. Two separate writ petitions were filed in the Bombay High Court, challenging the BMC’s decision. In its response, the court directed the civic body to ensure proper cleanliness and hygiene at the location, keeping in mind both public health and sentiments of citizens. Following this order, the BMC installed bamboo barricades and covered the site with tarpaulin sheets to restrict access while carrying out maintenance work.

Despite these measures, resentment has been growing among a section of the public who view the closure as an attack on tradition. The protest on August 6 was one such outburst, where a sizeable crowd gathered in defiance of prohibitory rules. The police maintained that the demonstration not only disrupted public order but also caused damage to civic property, making it a punishable offence.

Currently, the Dadar Police are reviewing more video footage to identify additional participants involved in the agitation. Officials have stated that strong action will be taken against anyone found guilty of instigating violence, destroying property, or disregarding lawful restrictions.

The controversy surrounding the Kabutarkhana remains unresolved, balancing between issues of public health and cultural practices. While the civic body insists that health concerns must take precedence, protestors continue to demand restoration of the pigeon house. With legal proceedings ongoing in the High Court and police cases filed against over 100 people, the matter is likely to remain in the spotlight in the coming weeks.

Image Courtesy:

02 Jan 2026

BMC Elections

Dadar Kabutarkhana row: Police register cases against 100+ for violating curbs, targeting BMC cover

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