Mumbai Suburb Guardian Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, on February 25, sent a letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, demanding immediate action regarding the assault on a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) worker at Vakola police station. In this matter, Lodha on Tuesday met DCP Zone-8 (Deputy Commissioner of Police) Manish Kavlaniya, urging a thorough investigation and strict action against those responsible.
Five policemen from Vakola police station have been transferred in connection with the incident. A senior police official confirmed the transfers, which include two police inspectors and three constables.
Sriraj Nair, national spokesperson of the VHP, stated that the incident involved the coordinator of Durga Vahini, the women’s wing of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad. She had gone to file a complaint regarding molestation, but instead of taking her concerns seriously, the police allegedly ignored her.
Gautam Ravriya, Co-organizer of the Kokan division of Bajrang Dal, said, "The police beat two to three of our workers in the detection room. The incident occurred on February 16, and later, five police personnel were transferred. One was transferred to BKC, and another to the reserve police."
Officials stated that some Bajrang Dal members had gone to Vakola Police Station to register a complaint. While the process was underway, the police asked the accompanying group members not to crowd the station and to wait outside. An altercation broke out between the police and one of the members, following which he was allegedly assaulted.
"It is alarming that social workers are being subjected to injustice and unnecessary harassment by the police. The police system must take immediate corrective measures to prevent such incidents from recurring. In the meeting, I requested the DCP to send the responsible officers on compulsory leave. Five individuals have been permanently transferred. A committee report will be available soon, after which appropriate action will be taken against those found guilty. Additionally, necessary precautions will be implemented to prevent such incidents in the future," stated Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha.
