Video of Mumbai Cop Manhandling Woman Protester Sparks Row; Police Deny Misconduct

A viral video from a student protest in Mumbai has triggered a political controversy after Congress leader Varsha Gaikwad alleged that a police officer in plain clothes manhandled a woman protester.

Viral Video Sparks Outrage

The video, reportedly recorded during a protest in Dadar, shows a police officer in plain clothes grabbing and dragging a woman protester. The footage has sparked questions over the conduct of the Mumbai Police.

Sharing the video, Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad questioned the officer's actions.

“What is this behaviour Mumbai Police? Why is a male cop manhandling a young female protestor like this? Why isn't he letting his female colleagues handle this? What action will be taken against him? This is unacceptable,” she wrote.

Mumbai Police Says Video Was ‘Irresponsibly Misinterpreted’

Responding to Gaikwad, the Mumbai Police said the video had been misinterpreted.

“Ma’am, please note, this is being irresponsibly misinterpreted the official, while managing law and order there, was trying to hold on to a male protestor when a lady unknowingly stepped in between, while he was looking away,” the police said.

The police added that senior officers had verified the facts and closely examined the video before reaching their conclusion.

Gaikwad Seeks Thorough Inquiry

In the  response, Gaikwad said she had raised the issue as a public representative and continued to question the officer's conduct.

 “As a public representative, it is my duty to bring up concerns of citizens,” she said.

Gaikwad questioned why the officer appeared to be charging aggressively towards protesters and said the video showed people dispersing in fear. She also argued that the officer appeared to notice the woman, even if only moments later, and could have moved away.

She called for a thorough inquiry and action over any alleged misconduct.

‘Students Should Not Be Treated Like Hardened Criminals’

Gaikwad also defended the protesting students, saying they were raising valid demands and should not be treated like hardened criminals.

She said citizens should not feel traumatised for exercising their right to protest and urged the police to protect democratic rights. Gaikwad also said incidents of alleged police high-handedness should be properly investigated.

The controversy comes amid continued political scrutiny of police conduct during student protests in Mumbai.