Five individuals have been booked by the Kalachowki Police in Mumbai for allegedly using drones without permission during the Kalachowki Cha Mahaganpati Aagman procession. The incident occurred on Sunday, August 3, 2025, during the grand procession that marks the arrival of the iconic Kalachowki cha Mahaganpati idol to its pandal in Lalbaug.
According to police reports, the accused were using drones to capture visuals of the procession, which attracts massive crowds every year. However, drone usage was strictly prohibited in the area due to security and crowd management concerns. Authorities had announced a temporary ban on drones during the festive season. The police seized three drones from the vicinity of Rejoice Hotel, where the accused were allegedly operating them.
The accused have been identified as Dipesh Jayant Rathod (29), Jay Manish Rathod (31), Omkar Umesh Tatkare (19), Sanjog Santosh Koliste (21), and Yash Deepak Kadam (25). They admitted to using the drones for filming the Ganeshotsav procession but could not produce the required permissions for the activity.
A case has been registered against the five individuals under BNS Section 223. Further investigation into the matter is underway.
The Mahaganpati Aagman procession is a highly anticipated event in Lalbaug and Parel, drawing thousands of devotees. This year, the arrival of Kalachowki cha Mahaganpati transformed the entire stretch into a vibrant, devotional spectacle. The idol, depicting Lord Ganesh as Lord Shiva, was placed on a decorated vehicle with flowers and lighting. Devotees participated with dhol-tasha beats and chants of "Ganpati Bappa Morya". While many people used mobile phones and cameras to capture the event, some resorted to flying drones despite the restrictions.
The Mumbai Police Commissioner had issued a circular on July 3, 2025, banning the use of drones, paragliders, microlight aircraft, and balloons during public events for security reasons. Authorities have warned that strict action will be taken against anyone who violates these regulations.
Ganesh Chaturthi preparations are currently underway across Mumbai, with idols being transported from workshops in Parel to various public mandals. The festival is considered a symbol of Mumbai’s cultural and communal harmony.
