Around 7:15 pm on Sunday at Juhu bus station, a group of Maratha protesters allegedly assaulted a passenger and vandalised a BEST bus, sparking concerns over public safety during demonstrations.
How the Violence Escalated
The incident occurred when a wet lease BEST bus operating on route number 201 was parked at the stop without any staff on board. An argument reportedly broke out between the protesters and some passengers, which quickly escalated into physical violence.
Details of the Assault and Vandalism
A passenger was allegedly assaulted inside the bus, and the group smashed the third window from the rear on the right-hand side of the vehicle. A 59-second video capturing the incident went viral on social media Monday morning, drawing widespread public attention.
Response by BEST Staff
BEST marshals and staff at the site rushed to intervene and attempted to defuse the situation. Despite their efforts, the group remained aggressive until police were alerted via the emergency helpline (100).
Police Action and Investigation
By the time police arrived, both the protesters and the passengers involved had fled the scene. The damaged bus was pulled from service, and alternate arrangements were made for remaining commuters. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage to identify those responsible.
Officials’ Statements and Public Safety Concerns
BEST officials condemned the incident and assured full cooperation with law enforcement. The episode has highlighted vulnerabilities in public transport systems during civil unrest.
A police officer noted, “There were two groups of commuters, not related to any agitation or agitators. No one has filed a complaint about it. The passengers left after the incident. It was just an altercation, like passengers arguing with each other during a journey.”
