However, the move sparked outrage among members of the Jain community, who view feeding pigeons as a religious practice. A large group of protesters reportedly from the community gathered at the Dadar site, tore down the tarpaulin, and entered the Kabutarkhana, chanting slogans and clashing with the police. Protesters also dismantled bamboo barricades and scattered pigeon feed, which attracted flocks of pigeons back to the area.
Speaking on the incident, Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha condemned the protest and called for calm:
“Whatever happened this morning was wrong. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had issued the right orders after considering all views, including health risks. There is a court hearing tomorrow until then, everyone should maintain peace,” Lodha said.
He further stated that he had spoken with temple trustees and officials who claimed they were not involved in the protest:
“Outsiders came and created this chaos. The trustees had already postponed today’s meeting. The Jain community and religious leaders were satisfied with the CM’s decision and had even expressed their thanks,” he added.
Lodha reiterated that the government is actively working on a solution and warned against taking the law into one’s own hands. He emphasised that order must be maintained while the matter is being addressed in court.
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The protest comes just a day after CM Devendra Fadnavis held a joint meeting with representatives from both sides those supporting and those opposing the Kabutarkhana ban assuring them of a balanced legal approach. Following the meeting, Jain leaders had reportedly called off any planned agitation, making the August 6 protest an unexpected escalation.
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