
Mumbai Police have stepped up their presence in Dharavi, one of Asia's largest slum clusters, as part of an ongoing search for a pillion rider. The individual is wanted in connection with an incident that has put the locality under a security scanner. Officers are conducting systematic door-to-door inquiries across multiple blocks.
Senior police officials have not disclosed the exact nature of the crime, but sources indicate the pillion rider may be linked to a recent case involving a two-wheeler. The rider of the vehicle is already in custody, but the pillion rider remains at large.
Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage from over 50 cameras installed in and around Dharavi. They are also speaking to local shopkeepers, chaiwallahs, and residents who may have seen something unusual. โWe are leaving no stone unturned,โ a police officer said, requesting anonymity.
Police have set up checkpoints at major entry and exit points of Dharavi. Commuters on two-wheelers are being stopped and asked for documents. The search has caused some inconvenience, but most residents are cooperating. โWe want this person caught quickly,โ said a local grocery store owner.
Local police have urged residents to report any suspicious activity. Pamphlets with a helpline number are being distributed in Hindi, Marathi, and English. โIf you see someone hiding or acting nervous, please call us immediately,โ the pamphlets read.
Dharavi, known for its dense population and narrow lanes, poses a challenge for law enforcement. But officers are confident that the search will yield results. โWe have done this before during lockdowns and found wanted criminals,โ a constable added.
Police teams will continue combing the area through the night. They are also tracking the pillion rider's mobile phone signals. If the individual is not found soon, the search may be expanded to neighbouring areas like Sion and Bandra.
Authorities have not yet given a timeline for concluding the operation. But they have made it clear: they will not stop until the pillion rider is caught.