Woman Attacked With Iron Rod, Elderly Father Choked Over Pigeon Feeding Dispute

Rising Tensions Around ‘Kabutarkhanas’ Amid Health Concerns

MUMBAI —The altercation began when 65-year-old Asha Vyas was feeding pigeons in front of her building. Another resident, Mahendra Patel, objected to the act, leading to a verbal argument. Patel’s daughter, Premal Patel, intervened, asking why her father was being verbally abused. According to her, things escalated rapidly when a resident from Vyas’s building, identified as Somesh Agnihotri, along with two others, allegedly beat her with an iron rod and attempted to choke her father.

Police have registered a case against Vyas, Agnihotri and two unnamed individuals. CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts are now being reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.

This shocking episode comes at a time when Mumbai is grappling with growing tensions over the traditional practice of pigeon feeding at designated spots known as 'kabutarkhanas'. Critics argue that the practice poses serious public health risks, including the spread of respiratory diseases.

Bombay High Court Calls Pigeon Feeding a ‘Public Nuisance’

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has weighed in on the issue, cautioning against the abrupt closure of kabutarkhanas. He urged the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to regulate pigeon feeding humanely and avoid actions that could lead to bird starvation.

Meanwhile, the BMC has taken action against 142 individuals for feeding pigeons at kabutarkhanas, collecting over ₹68,000 in fines between 13 July and 3 August.

The Bombay High Court is currently hearing a writ petition on the matter. Last week, the court labelled mass pigeon feeding a "public nuisance" and a "health hazard," instructing the BMC to file FIRs against offenders. However, it also temporarily halted the demolition of heritage kabutarkhanas, balancing preservation with public health concerns.