In a bizarre and disturbing incident in Mumbai’s posh Pali Hill locality, a man allegedly disrupted lift operations at the high-profile Sandhu Palace building by placing large stones inside the elevator cabin. The building is home to several Bollywood celebrities, including Kriti Sanon and Javed Jaffrey. The act was caught on CCTV and is currently under police investigation.
The incident occurred in the early hours of June 19, prompting concerns about security breaches in gated residential complexes—even those housing high-profile residents.
What Happened at Sandhu Palace on June 19?
According to building security personnel and Khar Police, the suspect arrived around 1:00 am in a yellow car, claiming he was visiting a flat on the 17th floor of Sandhu Palace.
Security guards initially verified with a resident—who had earlier permitted guests to enter without specific intimation—and allowed him inside. However, the man’s erratic behavior soon raised suspicion.
Suspicious Movements and Misdirection
- The man was first asked to park his car in Basement 2, but instead, he left the vehicle in Basement 1.
- When asked to move it, he handed the keys to a guard, claiming he needed to use the washroom.
- On returning, he said he was going to the 14th floor, but when the intercom to that flat received no response, he changed his story again, saying he was headed to the 17th floor.
His inconsistent statements and unusual behavior led guards to escort him out of the building. At the time, the extent of the damage he had caused was not yet known.
Next Morning: Lift Found Damaged
The following morning, residents reported that the building’s lift had stopped working. Upon reviewing CCTV footage, security discovered that the same man had entered the lift and placed large stones inside the cabin. He was also seen making inappropriate gestures toward the camera.
The sabotage likely occurred when the man was alone in the basement, having used the washroom as a pretext to gain time and space.
How Was the Man Identified?
Police tracked the individual through the car’s registration number, allowing them to trace his identity.
Initial medical evaluations suggest the man may be mentally unstable, and he has since been admitted to a hospital for further psychiatric evaluation. As of now, he has not been formally questioned by the police due to his medical condition.
Legal Action Under BNS Sections 324(2) and 324(4)
The Khar Police have registered a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Sections:
- 324(2) – Voluntarily causing hurt by means of any dangerous weapon or means.
- 324(4) – Additional provisions for using hazardous objects that could lead to injury or property damage.
Although the case is currently classified under “voluntarily causing hurt using dangerous means”, authorities are awaiting psychiatric assessments to determine if further legal adjustments or protections under mental health laws may apply.
Celebrity Residents Express Concern
While no official statements have been issued by Kriti Sanon or Javed Jaffrey, sources indicate that residents in Sandhu Palace have raised concerns regarding visitor entry protocols and security monitoring. There is speculation that new security guidelines may soon be enforced, including stricter guest verification and surveillance in basement areas.
Mental Health and Urban Safety: A Growing Concern
This incident has brought to light the fragile balance between public access and resident safety in high-rise urban buildings. With mental health-related issues on the rise, authorities are increasingly being asked to coordinate between law enforcement and medical professionals before taking penal action.
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