Mumbai: Man Attempts Self-Immolation Outside Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan During Budget Session, Detained

Mumbai: In a shocking incident, a 38-year-old man attempted to set himself on fire outside the Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan in South Mumbai on Wednesday morning.

The incident occurred during the Maharashtra Budget Session 2026, which was actively underway inside the state assembly, prompting an immediate response from security forces.

Quick Intervention

The individual, identified as Dadaso Baban Kalsait, a resident of Takli in the Madha taluka, arrived at the busy Usha Mehta Chowk just outside the legislative complex.

Witnesses reported that Kalsait attempted to soak himself with a flammable liquid in a bid to self-immolate.

Mumbai Police personnel stationed for the Budget Session acted, overpowering Kalsait before he could ignite the flame.

He was immediately detained and transported to the Marine Drive Police Station for questioning and medical evaluation.

Dispute Over Statue Removal

Preliminary investigations revealed that Kalsait’s extreme actions were driven by a local dispute in his home region.

According to police statements, he was deeply distressed over the recent removal of a Vishwakarma statue.

The statue had reportedly been installed on land belonging to the Lohar Samaj but was deemed an illegal encroachment by local authorities.

Consequently, the Nagar Panchayat had removed the structure a few days before the assembly protest. Kalsait had allegedly been seeking redress for the removal before deciding to take his protest to the gates of the state capital.

Legal Action and Security Review

The Mumbai Police have confirmed that a non-cognizable offence has been registered against Kalsait under Section 226 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to the attempt to commit suicide to compel or restrain a public servant from discharging their duty.

The incident has raised questions regarding the security around Vidhan Bhavan during the high-profile Budget Session.

While the police successfully thwarted the attempt, security protocols at the entry points are expected to be reviewed to prevent similar demonstrations during the remainder of the session.