Mumbai is currently witnessing heightened tensions as the Maratha quota agitation, led by activist Manoj Jarange, intensifies. While thousands of protestors have gathered to demand reservation for the Maratha community, a recent incident of shoplifting in Mumbai’s Fort area has added another layer of complexity to the situation. CCTV footage has captured individuals allegedly involved in shoplifting, prompting the Mumbai police to launch a probe [N/A].

The Maratha community has been demanding reservation in government jobs and educational institutions for a long time. Manoj Jarange has been a prominent figure in this movement, staging multiple protests and hunger strikes to press for the community's demands. His central demand is the recognition of all Marathas as Kunbis, an agrarian caste already included in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category, which would make them eligible for reservation.

On August 29, 2025, Jarange began an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan in Mumbai, accusing the Maharashtra government of "non-cooperation" on the Maratha quota issue. Thousands of supporters joined him, leading to massive traffic snarls and disruptions across the city. The Mumbai police had granted limited permission for a peaceful protest, but the number of participants far exceeded expectations.

As the agitation continues, concerns about law and order have increased. The recent incident of shoplifting in the Fort area, captured on CCTV, has added to these concerns [N/A]. The police have initiated an investigation to identify and apprehend those involved [N/A]. It is currently unknown whether the shoplifting incident is directly related to the Maratha quota agitation or if it was an isolated event [N/A]. However, the incident has occurred amidst the ongoing protests, raising questions about the overall security situation [N/A].

The Maratha quota agitation has a long and complex history. The issue gained prominence in 2023 when police used batons against Maratha protestors. Jarange's hunger strike in September 2023 in Jalna district further amplified the issue, compelling the government to re-engage with the Maratha quota demands.

The current Maharashtra government has stated that it is open to addressing the social and financial issues faced by the Maratha community but has ruled out political reservation matters. A cabinet sub-committee is currently reviewing Jarange's demands within the constitutional framework. Meanwhile, the opposition has accused the government of betraying the Maratha community.

The situation remains tense as Jarange continues his hunger strike and thousands of protestors remain in Mumbai. The ongoing agitation has disrupted daily life in the city, with traffic congestion, overcrowded trains, and the closure of markets and other establishments. The police are working to maintain law and order, but the sheer number of protestors and the recent shoplifting incident pose significant challenges. The coming days will be crucial in determining the future of the Maratha quota agitation and its impact on Mumbai.