Strap: Bengaluru boy, who entered abandoned Colaba's Majestic MLA Niwas in the hope of finding ghosts, busted by security guards
Andrew Shimshya with guards Salauddin Pinjari and Jitendra Kadam
An 18-year-old Bengaluru-based boy's visit to an abandoned mansion in Colaba on Monday night, took a comical turn when his spooky escapade was suddenly interrupted by the sound of two approaching strangers. While the teenager believed he had chanced upon some evil spirit and decided to confront it head-on, he was quickly overpowered and discovered that they were securitymen.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Majestic MLA Niwas in Colaba, said to be haunted. Pic/Bipin Kokate
It was only after he was dragged out that the terrified boy realised he was not dealing with ghosts. The teen, identified as Andrew Benjamin Shimshya, was in a Mumbai for a short course and living in a plush Peddar Road apartment with a friend. According to the police, Shimshya is fascinated with the idea of ghosts and often explores haunted places.
On Monday, he decided to visit the dilapidated Majestic MLA Niwas in Colaba, located opposite Regal Cinema, with the intention of later uploading a video on social media. As the structure is currently undergoing redevelopment, the property isn't occupied and has been closed to public. Shimshya entered the building through the rear gate around 10 pm, the police said. Despite no lights, Shimshya managed to make his way into the building, and also broke the hook of a door to enter one of the rooms.
Majestic MLA Niwas in Colaba
Meanwhile, security guards Salauddin Pinjari and Jitendra Kadam, who were posted outside the building, heard strange sounds from inside. Suspecting possible trespassing, they immediately decided to inspect the place. "As the guards were heading towards Shimshya they accidentally hit some object. Shimshya panicked, thinking he had come in contact with some evil spirit and thought the only way to deal with it, would be to brave a fight. Following a scuffle, the two guards managed to overpower Shimshya and bring him outside," said an officer from the Colaba Police, requesting anonymity.
Shimshya was handed over to the police. "On being questioned, the boy said that he was curious about haunted places and that visiting Majestic MLA Niwas had been on his must-see list when in Mumbai," said Vijay Bhapavkar, senior inspector of Colaba Police station.
Manoj Kumar Sharma, deputy commissioner of police, Zone I, confirmed the incident. However, after the police established that the boy's intention was not wrong, a non-cognisable offence was registered against him, and he was allowed to go. "He should have taken prior permission before entering the property," a senior officer said.
Catch up on all the latest Mumbai, National and International news here
Download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get updates on all the latest and trending stories on the go
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
