In Mumbai, tensions rose as members of the Jain community clashed with police at Dadar Kabutarkhana over the issue of feeding pigeons in public places. The clash occurred on Wednesday morning when protestors forcibly removed a tarpaulin cover placed by the BMC to deter the practice. Leading the charge were hundreds of women who climbed on top of the bamboo cladding.

The tarpaulin covers were installed following a Bombay High Court order to shut down feeding spots for pigeons due to health concerns and the increase in the local pigeon population. Approximately 500 protestors arrived at the scene, broke through bamboo barricades, and removed the plastic netting, even scattering grains in the feeding area.

Guardian minister MP Lodha, who arrived later, stated that the police would take appropriate action. While the police intended to file an FIR against the protestors, no action had been taken by late evening. The BMC announced that they would await instructions from the High Court before proceeding with further measures.

The BMC reiterated its opposition to feeding pigeons in public areas, citing health risks. The clash between members of the Jain community and the police intensified as the protestors removed the tarpaulin cover at Dadar Kabutarkhana.

Assistant municipal commissioner Vinayak Vispute of G North ward affirmed the municipality's commitment to restrict pigeon feeding. With a court hearing scheduled for August 7, the municipal corporation pledged to adhere strictly to any additional directives.

Following the incident, the nearby Shri Shantinath Bhagwan Shwetambar Jain Temple distanced itself from the clash at Kabutarkhana. Reports emerged of a planned prayer meeting for pigeons that were allegedly found dead recently, with claims of 980 birds perishing from unknown causes or accidents.

Despite the temple's effort to deter pigeons with nets on one side, protestors flung grains into the feeding area, openly violating the High Court orders. Guardian minister MP Lodha labeled the incident unfortunate and emphasized that police would take appropriate action.

The meeting chaired by the Chief Minister discussed regulated feeding practices to prevent pigeon deaths while maintaining public health through necessary precautions and clean-up efforts.

This clash marked the second instance this year of the Jain community mobilizing in large numbers. Previously, in April, a similar protest took place in Vile Parle after the BMC demolished an unauthorized Jain temple.