Mumbai police enhance protection for historic roadside crosses after repeated vandalism raises concerns over safety, heritage, and communal harmony.
Newsroom (19/05/2026 Gaudium Press ) Police in Mumbai, India’s financial capital, have intensified security measures around roadside freestanding crosses in a suburban parish after a centuries-old structure was vandalized on two consecutive days, sparking concern among the city’s Catholic community.
Authorities have increased surveillance across St. John the Evangelist parish in Andheri East following the incidents, which remain under active investigation. Senior police official Ravindra Wani confirmed that officers are maintaining a close watch on the area and have requested a detailed inventory of religious structures within the parish.
On May 18, police formally asked parish priest Father Anthony Fernandes to provide a list of roadside crosses “to protect and safeguard them from vandalism.” The parish has since identified 15 such crosses, several of which date back centuries and hold deep cultural and religious significance.
The heightened alert follows a complaint filed by Father Fernandes on May 14, after a roadside cross was damaged twice in quick succession on May 13 and May 14 by unidentified individuals. According to the priest, the site is central to the spiritual life of more than 10,000 parishioners. Many stop daily to offer prayers or light candles on their commute, making the incidents particularly distressing for the local community.
Symbols of Faith and Heritage
Freestanding crosses are a familiar feature across Mumbai, especially in areas with historic Catholic populations. These structures trace their origins to the Portuguese colonial period between the 16th and 18th centuries, when Christianity took root in the region. Over time, they have evolved into more than just sites of devotion.
They serve as enduring markers of communal identity and history. Generations of residents have prayed at these sites, invoking protection from disease, safe passage for seafarers, and blessings for families. Their presence in public spaces reflects a longstanding tradition interwoven with Mumbai’s urban and cultural fabric.
Concerns Over Targeted Acts
Community leaders have expressed alarm over what they describe as a pattern of deliberate attacks rather than isolated acts of vandalism. Godfrey Pimenta, a Catholic lawyer and trustee of the Mumbai-based Watchdog Foundation, warned that the repeated targeting of the same symbol raises serious concerns.
“It cannot be dismissed as mere mischief,” Pimenta said, adding that the incidents appear to be “a calculated and intentional attempt to hurt Christians’ religious sentiments, spread fear amongst minorities, and disturb communal harmony.”
He also noted that the area is under extensive CCTV coverage, expressing confidence that authorities will be able to identify those responsible.
Links to Broader Issues
Nicholas Almeida, founder-trustee of the Watchdog Foundation, pointed to a broader pattern of similar incidents over the past decade within the Mumbai archdiocese. He suggested that in some cases, vandalism could be linked to land-related disputes.
Almeida cited a recent example in the same locality, where a commercial structure was allegedly built around a 200-year-old cross by a private individual. After complaints from the Christian community, the municipal corporation ordered the demolition of the encroaching structure. However, according to Almeida, the directive has yet to be enforced.
Such disputes underscore the complex intersection of religious heritage and urban development pressures in a rapidly expanding city like Mumbai.
Legal Protections and Ongoing Investigation
The legal status of many roadside crosses in Mumbai is backed by judicial directives. In October 2009, the Bombay High Court ordered authorities not to demolish 210 roadside crosses that existed prior to 1964, aligning with a ruling by the Supreme Court of India. The order recognizes both their historical importance and the sensitivities surrounding religious landmarks.
Police officials have reiterated that the current vandalism cases remain under investigation, and efforts are ongoing to ensure protection for all listed crosses within the parish.
For now, increased patrolling and surveillance aim to reassure residents and prevent further incidents. But for many parishioners, the attacks have already left a lasting impression, reinforcing anxieties about the safety of their heritage and the preservation of communal harmony in one of India’s most diverse cities.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from UCA News
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