Maharashtra CM Condemns Police Threats to Student Protesters: A Call for Accountability

Chief Minister's Strong Response to Police Misconduct

Mumbai: On Thursday, Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis labeled the actions of a police driver, who was captured in a viral video threatening student demonstrators with false drug charges, as "entirely inappropriate." He confirmed that swift disciplinary measures have been initiated against the officer involved.

Fadnavis, who also oversees the Home Department, stated that an investigation is currently in progress. However, he warned that certain anti-social elements are attempting to incite chaos under the guise of the student protests.

"The police officer's conduct is unacceptable. We denounce it. Immediate action has been taken, and the situation is under investigation," Fadnavis informed the media, noting that there have also been reports of police being assaulted during the protests.

"Some individuals were throwing stones and attacking police officers. They were not genuinely advocating for student rights but were instead trying to create disorder by exploiting the protests. Organizers must distance themselves from such elements," he added.

The Chief Minister's comments followed the circulation of a 25-second video that allegedly shows a police driver warning two detained youths that they would face fabricated drug charges if they continued to protest.

"If I see you here again, I will plant 50 grams of 'powder' in your pocket. You won't get bail, and your life will be ruined. We are facing significant challenges because of you," the driver was heard threatening the students in the video.

In response to the viral footage, a senior police official announced that an inquiry has been launched.

"After confirming the facts, the officer in question has been reassigned pending the inquiry's outcome," the official stated.

The video has ignited a strong political backlash, with the Congress party accusing the state government of engaging in "hooliganism in khaki" to suppress democratic expression. The Maharashtra Congress has called for a thorough investigation into the police's conduct.

Highlighting the incident on their official X (formerly Twitter) account, the Mumbai Congress remarked, "If this is accurate, it represents not just an intimidation tactic against students but a direct assault on democratic rights. Voicing concerns is not a crime. Students deserve accountability, not threats."

Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal described the threats as a "stain on democracy," asserting that resorting to such tactics to silence youth reflects severe oppression.

Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar criticized the ruling BJP-led government, alleging a systematic misuse of police power to intimidate young protesters.

Describing the police's actions as "hooliganism in khaki" and "worse than during British rule," Wadettiwar questioned the source of the drugs mentioned in the threats and emphasized that such behavior undermines the police's fundamental duty to protect the innocent and punish the guilty.

Supriya Shrinate, a member of the Congress Working Committee and party spokesperson, accused CM Fadnavis's police of threatening student protesters with false charges.

"However, the students' response indicates they are undeterred. Kudos to Gen Z—so proud of you!" she posted on X.

Mumbai has recently witnessed numerous demonstrations supporting the ongoing student protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party in New Delhi.