Mumbai witnessed largely peaceful polling on Thursday despite a few minor verbal clashes between political party workers at some booths. Police officials confirmed the overall election process remained calm and orderly across the city.
Massive Security Deployment Ensures Order
More than 28,000 police personnel took to the streets to maintain law and order as voting began at 7:30 AM. The security force included 10 additional commissioners, 33 deputy commissioners, 84 assistant commissioners, approximately 3,000 officers, and 25,000 constables.
State Reserve Police Force platoons, Quick Response Teams, Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad units, Riot Control Police, and Home Guards also stood guard at polling booths and sensitive locations throughout Mumbai.
Police Commissioner Reviews Arrangements
Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti personally visited multiple areas to review security measures. He toured Dindoshi, Malad, D N Nagar in Andheri West, and Dharavi, inspecting sensitive spots and interacting with deployed personnel.
Joint Commissioner of Police Satyanarayan Chaudhary stated clearly, "There was no incident related to the poll in the city. It was a peaceful election."
Minor Incidents Reported and Contained
Police acknowledged some minor verbal altercations occurred between workers of rival political parties at a few polling stations. These incidents did not escalate into serious offenses.
Specific Clashes Between Party Workers
A heated exchange erupted around 11 AM at a polling booth in Tembipada area of Bhandup. Workers from the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena came face-to-face. Police intervened promptly and dispersed the crowd.
In another incident, a Kurla resident alleged assault by Shiv Sena workers at Ward 163 in Kajupada. The voter claimed workers attacked him after they heard him mention the Congress party. The individual did not file a formal complaint, telling reporters that police present at the scene did not react while family members advised against pursuing a case.
Western Suburbs Remain Calm
Senior police officers reported similar verbal arguments in parts of the western suburbs, but these remained contained. "The verbal arguments were noticed between workers of the parties nearby but no serious offences occurred in the western suburbs," a senior IPS officer explained.
Limited FIRs Registered on Polling Day
Deputy Commissioner of Police Hemraj Rajput from Zone 7 confirmed no FIRs were registered specifically on polling day. However, he noted that the Flying Surveillance Team seized Rs 76,000 cash from a person in Vikhroli area on Wednesday night, with police conducting an inquiry.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Sameer Shaikh from Zone 6 reported two FIRs registered following a clash between two groups in Govandi on Wednesday night. One FIR addressed unlawful assembly, while another concerned impersonation, with investigations ongoing.
Preparations for Vote Counting
Ahead of Friday's vote counting, police announced traffic restrictions near counting centers. "Since vote counting centres will see party workers gathering, it could cause traffic congestion. So, we have closed some roads and provided alternative routes," an official stated.
Police conducted flag marches involving nearly 200 personnel in sensitive areas to reassure the public and deter antisocial elements. These visible security measures aimed to maintain confidence in the electoral process.
