Mumbai Police Reject Misconduct Allegation After Viral Video of Officer Handling Woman Protester Sparks Row

Mumbai, July 24: A day after a Mumbai Police constable was transferred over a viral video in which he allegedly threatened protesters with a false narcotics case, another video purportedly showing a police officer physically handling a woman protester during a CJP protest has triggered a political controversy. While Opposition leaders have demanded action against the officer, Mumbai Police has rejected allegations of misconduct, saying the footage is being misinterpreted.

Viral Video Triggers Political Row

The video, widely circulated on social media, appears to show a plainclothes police officer grabbing a woman protester during an operation to disperse a crowd. In the footage, the officer's hand appears to be on or near the woman's chest as he moves through the crowd while calling for reinforcements.

The clip prompted criticism from Opposition leaders, who questioned the officer's conduct and sought disciplinary action. Mumbai Protest Viral Video: School Students Cheer Demonstrators From Classroom Windows in Dadar.

Mumbai Police Denies Misconduct

Responding to the controversy, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) Akbar Pathan said senior officers had reviewed the footage and found that the officer was attempting to apprehend a male protester when the woman stepped in.

Mumbai Police Defend Officer After Viral Protest Clip

"The video in reference is being irresponsibly misinterpreted. The official was trying to hold on to a male protester and a lady stepped in while he was looking away. Senior officers have verified all the facts and minutely assessed the video to derive the facts," Pathan said. Mumbai Police Suspends Officer After Viral Video Shows Him Threatening Students With Fake Drug Case.

Opposition Demands Action

Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad shared the video on X and tagged Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, questioning why a male police officer was physically handling a woman protester instead of allowing female personnel to intervene. She described the incident as "unacceptable" and sought action against the officer.

NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar also demanded strict action, alleging the officer's conduct had tarnished the image of the Maharashtra Police. He said that if the individual was indeed a police officer, he should be dismissed rather than merely suspended and booked for allegedly outraging the woman's modesty.

BJP Defends Police Action

BJP spokesperson Navnath Ban accused the Opposition of attempting to malign the Mumbai Police for political reasons. He said the video showed officers trying to detain a man wearing a blue shirt and argued there was no evidence to suggest the officer had intentionally misbehaved with the woman.

Ban also urged political leaders not to draw conclusions or make public allegations without first verifying the facts.

Comes After Viral '50 Grams of Powder' Remark

The controversy follows another viral video that surfaced recently, in which a Mumbai Police constable was allegedly heard threatening protesters by saying he would plant "50 grams of powder" on them and send them to jail. Following public outrage, the constable was transferred and an internal inquiry was ordered.

Screenshots purportedly showing police personnel asking protesters to share their live locations have also circulated online. According to sources, senior Mumbai Police officials have since instructed officers to exercise greater restraint while dealing with protesters, particularly young demonstrators.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 24, 2026 01:21 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).