Mumbai Cop Transferred After Viral Video Allegedly Shows Student Protesters Being Threatened With False Drug Cases
A Mumbai Police constable attached to Sion Police Station has been transferred after a viral video allegedly showed him threatening detained student protesters with false drug charges during demonstrations over the alleged NEET paper leak. The incident has sparked political outrage, with opposition leaders demanding strict action and an impartial investigation.
Mumbai: A Mumbai Police constable has been transferred after a video allegedly showing him threatening student protesters with fabricated drug charges went viral on social media, triggering widespread criticism and demands for accountability.
The incident reportedly occurred during student protests against the alleged NEET examination paper leak. According to reports, several students who had been detained during the demonstrations were inside a police vehicle when the constable allegedly issued the threats.
In the viral video, the police personnel can allegedly be heard warning the students that if they returned to protest, he would "plant 50 grams of drugs" in their pockets and ensure they were jailed in a narcotics case. The video quickly spread across social media, drawing sharp reactions from political leaders, activists, and citizens.
Constable Transferred, Inquiry Ordered
According to police officials, the constable, identified in several media reports as Pawan Sangale, was serving as a driver at Mumbai's Sion Police Station. Following the circulation of the video, the Mumbai Police transferred him with immediate effect.
Senior police officials have also ordered a departmental inquiry to investigate the incident and determine whether disciplinary or further legal action is warranted.
Political Leaders Demand Accountability
The incident has triggered strong reactions from opposition leaders across Maharashtra.
Maharashtra Congress President Harshvardhan Sapkal met senior police officials and condemned the alleged threats, stating that intimidating students exercising their democratic rights was unacceptable. He also questioned whether such conduct reflected a broader misuse of police powers.
NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) MP Supriya Sule described the alleged remarks as deeply disturbing, saying that threatening peaceful protesters with false criminal cases tarnishes the image of the police force. She called for strict action against those responsible.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare and MNS chief Raj Thackeray also criticised the incident, demanding transparency and accountability from the state government.
Viral Video Raises Serious Questions
The video has reignited debate over police conduct during student protests and the treatment of demonstrators in custody.
Several legal experts and civil rights advocates have pointed out that threatening individuals with fabricated criminal charges, if proven, would constitute a serious abuse of authority and undermine public trust in law enforcement.
The controversy comes amid nationwide protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination, with students across several states demanding greater transparency and accountability in the examination system.
Investigation Underway
Mumbai Police have confirmed that an internal inquiry is in progress. Authorities are expected to examine the authenticity of the viral video, record statements from those involved, and determine whether further disciplinary or legal action should be initiated.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials have not yet released their final findings regarding the incident.