Mumbai: This year’s Ganeshotsav at Lalbaugcha Raja saw unprecedented use of technology as nearly 260 AI-powered cameras were installed around the pandal and procession routes to manage massive crowds and enhance security.
According to police, the system successfully tracked around 25 lakh devotees, identified 50 known criminals, and flagged the presence of nearly 27,000 Maratha agitators in the Lalbaug area.
However, despite heightened surveillance, the visarjan procession witnessed a spike in petty crimes. Police confirmed at least 50 mobile phone thefts and seven chain-snatching incidents. Kalachowki police arrested 15 accused, including gang members from Mehsana (Gujarat) and Haryana.
Across the city, over 100 mobile phones are estimated to have been stolen during Anant Chaturdashi, with 20 theft cases and 150 missing phone complaints already registered at police stations. Railway stations too reported multiple incidents, with one thief caught red-handed at Chinchpokli station.
Earlier this month, at least 64 mobile thefts were reported during Ganesh Chaturthi arrival processions.
Police have urged citizens to remain vigilant in large gatherings and immediately report thefts to help with quick recovery of stolen items.
