In a shocking turn of events, items worth approximately Rs 12 lakh, including gold chains, mobile phones, and cash, were stolen during the high-profile swearing-in ceremony of the Maharashtra government at Azad Maidan in South Mumbai on December 5. The event, which saw BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis return as Chief Minister alongside Shiv Sena’s Eknath Shinde and NCP’s Ajit Pawar as Deputy CMs, was attended by top political figures, industry personalities, and over 40,000 supporters.
Theft Amidst High Security
Despite heavy security, with more than 4,000 police officers deployed at the venue and surrounding areas, the thieves managed to exploit the large crowd as people were exiting the venue through Gate No. 2. The stolen items included valuable gold chains, mobile phones, wallets, and cash, as attendees made their way out after the event concluded.
Police officials reported that the thieves took advantage of the chaos at the exit, swiftly stealing valuables from the crowd. “The thieves targeted people exiting the venue and made off with gold chains, phones, and wallets,” said a police officer.
Ongoing Investigation
Azad Maidan police have lodged FIRs against unidentified individuals, and efforts are underway to catch the culprits. The police are currently reviewing CCTV footage from the area to track down the suspects. However, no arrests have been made as of yet.
The Grand Ceremony and Its Aftermath
The swearing-in ceremony marked the formation of the new Mahayuti government following intense post-election negotiations between the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP. The alliance won 230 of the 288 seats in the Maharashtra Assembly, securing a majority. The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was among the distinguished guests.
While the event was intended to celebrate the formation of a new government, the theft cast a shadow over the otherwise grand occasion, leaving many attendees in shock. Police are determined to resolve the case swiftly and are using all available resources to identify the culprits responsible for the theft.
This news report is curated with insights from multiple reliable news sources.
