Mumbai: A Garba celebration at the JP Infra complex in Kashigaon, Mira Road, was disrupted on Tuesday night after an egg was allegedly hurled from an upper floor of the building. The incident, which occurred between 10:30 pm and 11:00 pm, sparked tension among residents and led to the registration of a police case.
Noise Complaint Preceded the Incident
According to officials, the disruption was linked to an earlier complaint lodged by a resident of the housing society. The individual had objected to the late-night Navratri festivities, citing violations of noise and loudspeaker regulations.
Witnesses said the resident was seen measuring sound levels with a decibel meter, filming the Garba celebrations on a mobile phone, and making repeated calls to the police control room requesting intervention.
Egg Allegedly Thrown During Festivities
Around 10:50 pm, participants claimed that objects were thrown from the 16th floor of one of the towers. Soon after, a broken egg was discovered near two women constables who had been deployed at the venue for security duty.
The alleged act enraged residents and devotees attending the Garba. Many participants rushed to the Kashigaon police station demanding strict action against the accused, saying the act was aimed at disturbing a religious assembly during an auspicious festival.
FIR Registered, Investigation Underway
Police confirmed that an FIR was registered in the early hours of Wednesday under Section 300 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which relates to disturbing a lawful religious gathering.
A senior officer from the Kashigaon police station said:
“No arrests have been made so far. We are carefully reviewing CCTV footage from the premises and recording statements of witnesses. Once the sequence of events is clear, appropriate action will follow.”
To maintain peace in the locality, additional police personnel were deployed at the housing society on Wednesday.
Past Disputes in the Housing Society
The JP Infra complex, one of Mira Road’s larger residential developments, has reportedly witnessed disputes in the past over religious and cultural events. Residents have clashed earlier on issues ranging from use of common spaces for celebrations to compliance with noise regulations.
Such incidents highlight the growing tension in urban housing societies, where community traditions and festivals sometimes conflict with modern residential regulations and lifestyle preferences.
Noise Rules and Legal Framework
The episode has also sparked discussions around noise pollution regulations in Mumbai. Under current rules:
- Loudspeakers cannot be used in residential areas after 10:00 pm without special permission.
- The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) enforces noise levels based on decibel thresholds.
- Violations can attract fines, seizure of equipment, or cancellation of permissions for future events.
During Navratri and other festivals, local authorities often receive special requests for extended hours, but compliance is strictly monitored.
Cultural Significance of Garba
The incident has caused disappointment among residents who see Garba as an essential part of Navratri celebrations. Garba, a traditional folk dance from Gujarat, is performed in honor of Goddess Durga and has grown into a pan-India cultural phenomenon, especially in urban societies.
For many residents of housing societies like JP Infra, Garba nights are not only religious observances but also opportunities for community bonding, cultural pride, and festive joy.
Balancing Rights and Responsibilities
Legal experts note that the case reflects the challenge of balancing cultural rights with civic responsibilities in urban India. While residents have the right to celebrate festivals, they must also adhere to noise pollution laws designed to protect public health. Conversely, deliberate acts aimed at disrupting religious assemblies can inflame tensions and attract criminal liability.
Conclusion
The Mira Road Garba egg-throwing incident underscores the fragile balance between community celebrations and residential disputes in modern cities. While the police investigation is ongoing, the episode has already sparked broader debate on how to harmoniously manage festivals in urban spaces.
As Navratri festivities continue across Mumbai and beyond, authorities are expected to remain vigilant to ensure that cultural traditions can be celebrated without disruption, while still respecting the rights of all residents.