1. Incident Overview
On August 12, 2025, the Kalachowki police lodged an FIR against a Jain spiritual leader—identified as Nileshchandra—and several unidentified members of a housing society in Lalbaug. They were booked for allegedly inciting hatred, threatening a resident, and vandalising the resident’s vehicles—resulting in estimated damages of around ₹2 lakh.
2. The Resident’s Grievance
The victim, 62-year-old businessman Nirmal Kumar Ajayraj Sothani, who lives in Magnum Tower, Chivda Galli, with his family, traced the conflict to long-standing parking disputes over six years. His repeated requests to the society’s managing committee for parking space were allegedly met with continued harassment by society members and the spiritual leader.
3. Community Programs and Alleged Violations
Tensions escalated when the resident complained to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) about unauthorised cooking during religious programmes held by the Jain community on the building’s ground floor. Over time, the society's celebrations involved improper use of gas cylinders and stoves, prompting a BMC raid on August 1, during which the equipment was confiscated.
4. Heat Over the Raid
Following the BMC’s action, feelings of resentment brewed. Sothani claimed that Nileshchandra delivered an inflammatory speech, encouraging society members and residents to boycott him and his son. He was also allegedly threatened with bans from entering the building—and accused of being the false filer of a police complaint against himself.
5. Acts of Destruction
That very day, as events grew more intense, three of Sothani’s vehicles—a Maruti Ertiga, a Toyota Fortuner, and a Suzuki Invicto—were vandalised. Their windows were smashed, leaving the family shaken and concerned for their safety.
6. Legal Angle
The police registered a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, citing Section 324(5) (mischief causing damage of ₹1 lakh or more) and Section 351(2) (criminal intimidation).
7. Wider Context & Reflection
This incident draws attention to how disputes over shared living spaces—particularly ones tied to religious practices—can spiral. On one side, it’s about practical concerns: parking, use of facilities, and safety regulations. On the other, it underscores the delicate balance between community traditions and legal norms.
A tweet posted by a local user summed it up well:
“Jain community uses cylinders to cook in basements... Violation of fire rules. They threaten other residents when such issues are highlighted. Endanger people in god’s name.”
While this comment reflects personal frustration—and not necessarily the community’s stance—it amplifies how urban religious practices can collide with civic safety and neighborly tolerance.
8. In Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Who | Jain spiritual leader (Nileshchandra) & housing society members |
| Allegations | Incitement, threats, vehicle vandalism |
| Resident | Nirmal Sothani of Magnum Tower |
| Trigger | BMC raid over illegal cooking during religious events |
| Damage | Vehicles—Ertiga, Fortuner, Invicto (~₹2 lakh) |
| Legal Provisions | Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita: Sections 324(5) & 351(2) |
Final Thoughts
This episode illustrates the complexity of urban coexistence, where religious expression intersects with civic law and neighborly rights. For society committees, religious leaders, and residents, the way forward lies in open dialogue, clarity on regulations, and mutual respect for community life. Have you witnessed similar neighborhood conflicts where tradition and regulation bumped heads? I’d be keen to hear your perspectives.
Source credit : Free press Journal
Jain Spiritual Leader and Society Members Charged Over threats and Property Damage In lalbaug