Mumbai: Mumbai Police have launched an inquiry after a viral video surfaced on social media allegedly showing a police personnel threatening student protesters with a false drug case if they participated in demonstrations again. The video, shared by the Mumbai Congress unit on X, has sparked fresh controversy over the police’s handling of ongoing student protests in the city.
Pending the outcome of the inquiry, the police driver seen in uniform in the video has been removed from his current posting. Officials said further action would depend on the findings of the investigation.
Viral video triggers controversy
The controversy began after the Mumbai Congress shared a video purportedly showing a group of students inside a police vehicle after being detained from a protest site.
In the video, a police personnel is allegedly heard warning the students not to return to future protests. He can also be heard making statements suggesting that he would implicate them in a false narcotics case if they continued participating in demonstrations.
The authenticity of the video and the context in which the remarks were made are currently under investigation.
Police initiate inquiry
Mumbai Police said they have taken serious note of the viral clip and have initiated an inquiry into its authenticity as well as the circumstances surrounding the incident.
As an interim measure, the police driver seen in uniform in the video has been removed from his present assignment until the inquiry is completed.
Officials stated that appropriate action would be taken if the investigation establishes any misconduct.
Congress raises concerns
Sharing the video on X, the Mumbai unit of the Congress alleged that students protesting in the city were being threatened with fabricated criminal cases if they continued participating in demonstrations.
The party stated that if the allegations were found to be true, the incident would amount to an attempt to intimidate students and undermine their democratic right to protest peacefully.
The Congress maintained that students raising questions on public issues should be met with accountability and dialogue rather than intimidation.
Student protests continue
The controversy comes amid ongoing protests organised by the online platform Cockroach Janta Party, which have witnessed participation by students and citizens at several locations across Mumbai, including Shivaji Park, Chembur, and Azad Maidan.
The demonstrations have drawn attention to various public issues, leading to increased police deployment at protest venues.
Authorities have maintained that security measures are necessary to preserve law and order while ensuring that protests remain peaceful.
Police methods under scrutiny
The viral video has also renewed debate over policing methods adopted during the recent demonstrations.
Reports have alleged that some protesters named in earlier First Information Reports (FIRs) or served legal notices were contacted directly by local police stations through phone calls and messaging applications.
According to the reports, certain individuals were allegedly instructed to remain at home and share their live location through WhatsApp as proof of compliance.
It has also been reported that notices under Section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) were issued digitally, directing some individuals to appear before the police in connection with earlier protest gatherings.
Mumbai Police have not officially commented on these allegations beyond confirming that the viral video is under inquiry.
The investigation into the video is expected to determine its authenticity, the identity of those involved and whether any disciplinary or legal action is warranted.