Over the past several days, large numbers of students and citizens have participated in protests at major locations across Mumbai, including Shivaji Park, Chembur, and Azad Maidan. The viral video has raised questions over the methods allegedly used to discourage participation in these demonstrations.
In the video posted by Mumbai Congress, a policeman is seen inside a police van with a group of young protesters who appear to have been detained from a protest site. The policeman sitting in the front seat can be heard instructing them to return home and not participate in the protests again.
"If you are seen again here, I will ruin your lives," the policeman is heard telling the students in the video. He further allegedly threatens to frame them in a false drug case, saying, "I will put 50-50 grams of powder in your bags and your life will be finished."
The policeman also tells the protesters that their demonstrations have created difficulties for him.
Taking serious note of the allegations, Mumbai Police have initiated an inquiry into the authenticity of the video and the circumstances surrounding the incident. Pending the completion of the investigation, the driver seen in uniform in the video has been removed from his current posting. Police officials stated that further action would be taken based on the findings of the inquiry.
Sharing the video, the Mumbai Congress alleged that the footage showed a threat by Mumbai Police to frame protesting students in false drug cases and force them to face imprisonment. The party stated that if the claims were found to be true, it would represent an attempt to intimidate students and an attack on democratic rights. It added that raising questions and expressing concerns through protests is not a crime and that students' issues should be addressed through accountability rather than threats.
एक वायरल वीडियो में दावा किया गया है कि @MumbaiPolice प्रदर्शन कर रहे छात्रों को धमका रही है कि अगर वे दोबारा प्रदर्शन करने लौटे, तो उन्हें झूठे ड्रग्स के मामले में फँसा दिया जाएगा और पूरी ज़िंदगी जेल में सड़ना पड़ेगा।
— Mumbai Congress (@INCMumbai) July 23, 2026
अगर यह सच है, तो यह सिर्फ़ छात्रों को डराने की कोशिश नहीं,… pic.twitter.com/36KescEmro
The handling of the student protests by Mumbai Police has also come under scrutiny over allegations of digital monitoring and visits to protesters' homes. Protesters named in existing First Information Reports or those who had previously received legal notices reported receiving direct phone calls and messages from local police stations.
Social media posts and verified screenshots have shown instances where senior police station officials allegedly instructed individuals to remain at home and continuously share their WhatsApp live location to confirm compliance.
Additionally, legal notices under Section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita were reportedly issued digitally through messaging applications during early morning hours. The notices directed recipients to appear for questioning in connection with earlier gatherings.
The viral video and subsequent police inquiry have intensified the debate over the balance between maintaining law and order and protecting the democratic rights of citizens participating in peaceful protests. The outcome of the investigation into the alleged threat will determine further action against the personnel involved.
About The Author
Comment List