The midnight rampage that left over a dozen vehicles damaged in Mahal has been traced to a personal dispute arising from a break-up. Police have detained nine accused — including seven minors — in connection with the armed vandalism that sparked tension in the locality late Tuesday night, a day before President Droupadi Murmu was scheduled to visit the city.
The violence occurred along the stretch from Shivaji Putla Square to Ram Coolers Square and adjoining internal lanes in Mahal. Eyewitnesses said 12 to 15 youths, armed with sticks and sharp weapons, moved through the area, shouting abuses and smashing vehicles parked along the roadside. Residents reported that more than a dozen two-wheelers and four-wheelers were damaged during the incident.
Despite Mahal being considered a sensitive area, locals claimed there was minimal police presence near Shivaji Putla Square at the time, and authorities were alerted only after residents informed them. A police team rushed to the scene, followed by Deputy Commissioner of Police Rahul Madne. Security was subsequently tightened across Mahal, and a search operation was launched with the help of CCTV footage.
Police have detained Swarup Dongre (19) from Nandanvan slum area and Rishabh Rajesh Khare (19) of Vaishnodevi Nagar, Wathoda, along with seven minors. Seven residents have filed complaints regarding damage to their vehicles. A case of rioting and vandalism has been registered at Ganeshpeth Police Station.
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