Panic gripped the Dharavi area after a shocking incident of arson came to light on Monday, where a group allegedly set fire to as many as 25 parked motorcycles in the Ashirwad Society premises.
According to police, the incident occurred in the early hours of April 6. All the motorcycles parked in the society’s parking area were completely gutted in the blaze. Locals suspect that the act was carried out to spread terror in the locality.
Based on a complaint filed by Wasim Ahmed Idrisi (45), the Dharavi Police have registered a case against habitual offender Ayub Babu Sheikh alias Chira and his three accomplices.
In his statement, the complainant said that around 3:10 am, when he came downstairs, he spotted a few individuals setting fire to the parked two-wheelers. He identified Ayub Sheikh and one Niyaz Ahmed as the ones who used a plastic sack to ignite one of the motorcycles. Two others, identified as Armaan and Wasim Sheikh, were allegedly standing nearby, keeping watch.
When Idrisi tried to question them, Ayub allegedly threatened him, saying he would burn him alive just like the vehicles if he interfered. Fearing for their lives, the complainant and the watchman fled the spot.
The fire caused extensive damage, not only to Idrisi’s vehicle but also to several others belonging to residents of the society. By the time the fire brigade and police reached the spot and brought the flames under control, all 25 motorcycles had been reduced to ashes. The total loss is estimated to be around ₹22 lakh, as per the FIR.
After the accused fled, residents checked the society’s CCTV footage, which reportedly captured all four individuals deliberately setting the vehicles on fire. The complainant also stated that Ayub Sheikh is a known troublemaker in the area, often involved in intimidation and assault, creating fear among locals.
Police have registered the case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, including provisions related to common intention, mischief by fire causing property damage, and criminal intimidation. Further investigation is being carried out by Police Sub-Inspector Sanjay Manik Koli.