Mumbai: Police preempt chaos, detain troublemakers at T Raja rally

Tiger Raja Singh with MLA Gita Jain at the rally. Pics/Hanif Patel

The Mira Bhayandar Vasai Virar (MBVV) police detained several criminals from the Tiger Raja Singh rally on Sunday afternoon. They also issued notices to more than 150 criminals, prohibiting them from participating in the rally. The police officers were also present at the rally with loaded guns to handle any potential issues.

Tiger Raja Singh is a Member of the Telangana Legislative Assembly who obtained court permission to organise a rally on Shiv Jayanti at Mira Road following clashes between two community groups. T Raja was granted permission with certain conditions, including not delivering hate speeches against any communities and being restricted from entering sensitive zones in Mira Road.

Heavy police bandobast at the rally

The MBVV police successfully managed the peaceful rally of T Raja on Sunday evening. The plan involved four Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs), 17 Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs), 150 Police Inspectors and Sub-Inspectors, as well as a total of 1000 police officers, including the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) and the riots control team. The rally commenced around 3 pm from Shivaji Chowk in the Kashimira area of Mira Road and concluded around 8 pm.

DCP Prakash Gaikwad of Mira Road stated, "We set up check posts and conducted searches at all entry and exit points in Mira Road. We warned over 150 criminals not to participate in the rally to maintain law and order. We apprehended several criminals who were identified at the rally and prevented many others from entering at the checkpoints."

"We had heightened security in sensitive areas of Mira Road, including the Naya Nagar area where the rally was restricted. We took some individuals into custody prior to the rally and released them afterward," DCP Gaikwad explained. A police source said, "Strict action will be taken against anyone attempting to disrupt law and order during the rally. Many individuals with baseball bats and sticks were apprehended. Shops along the rally route were instructed to remain closed. Triple-seat riders and those performing stunts or standing out of car windows were also dealt with."

"We advised certain politicians and leaders not to participate in the rally or spread hate speech. The cyber police were engaged to prevent any such speeches during T Raja's rally. We utilised drone cameras to closely monitor the rally," said the source. T Raja also followed the court order and police instructions to not give any hate speeches against any communities. MLA Gita Jain also joined the Rally and welcomed T Raja to Mira Road.