July 23, 2026

Central Times

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Police

Mumbai Police Order Inquiry After Video Shows Cop Allegedly Threatening Student Protesters With False Drug Case

A controversial video purportedly filmed inside a Mumbai Police vehicle has triggered widespread criticism after it showed a police driver allegedly threatening detained student protesters with false drug charges. The incident came a day after demonstrations over the exam paper leak issue led to several detentions across Mumbai. In the viral clip, the driver can allegedly be heard warning the students against joining future protests and threatening to plant drugs on them if they returned. He reportedly told the protesters that such a case could destroy their lives and make it difficult for them to secure bail. The students sitting in the back of the vehicle appeared to smile and laugh during the exchange. After the footage circulated widely on social media, Mumbai Police ordered an inquiry to verify the facts and determine further action.

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Police Remove Driver From Present Posting, Launch Inquiry

The video sparked further controversy because the police driver allegedly gave specific details while threatening the students. He reportedly warned that he could plant 50 grams of drugs in their pockets and ensure that they remained in jail without bail. During the conversation, the driver also appeared to express frustration over the protests, telling the students that the demonstrations were creating difficulties for police personnel. Political groups quickly amplified the footage on social media and demanded accountability from the authorities. Responding to the growing backlash, Mumbai Police announced that officials would investigate the incident and take appropriate action after verifying all the facts. Mumbai DCP (Operations) Akbar Pathan also confirmed that authorities had removed the concerned driver from his current posting while the inquiry remained underway.

The Mumbai Congress strongly criticised the alleged remarks and described the incident as an attack on students’ democratic rights. The party argued that authorities should answer students’ questions with accountability instead of attempting to silence them through intimidation. The Aam Aadmi Party also condemned the incident and targeted the BJP-led government over its handling of student demonstrations. It warned the ruling party against threatening young protesters who were raising concerns about examination-related issues. The Cockroach Janta Party, which also shared the video online, questioned whether law-enforcement agencies could be misused to implicate protesters in fabricated drug cases. The political reactions intensified pressure on Mumbai Police to conduct a transparent investigation and establish exactly what happened inside the police vehicle.

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Paper Leak Protests Spread From Delhi to Mumbai

The controversy comes amid growing student demonstrations over alleged examination paper leaks and demands for reforms in the education system. Hundreds of protesters have reportedly taken to the streets of Mumbai in solidarity with an agitation that began in New Delhi. The Cockroach Janta Party, described as an online satirical movement that later became involved in the protests, has demanded educational reforms and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The demonstrations gained momentum after police action against protesters who allegedly attempted to march towards Parliament on July 20. Since then, the movement has reportedly expanded beyond the national capital, with students in other cities organising demonstrations and demanding stronger measures to protect the integrity of examinations and hold those responsible for paper leaks accountable.

Student groups have organised marches and demonstrations at several prominent locations across Mumbai, including Shivaji Park, Chembur and Azad Maidan. The protests have produced several dramatic scenes, including demonstrators attempting to stop police vehicles carrying detained protesters. Videos showing interactions between students and police have also circulated widely online, bringing greater public attention to the agitation. The latest footage involving the police driver has now added another layer of controversy to the ongoing protests. While political parties and student groups have demanded strict action, Mumbai Police has said that officials will first verify the facts through an inquiry. The findings of that investigation will determine whether authorities take disciplinary or other action against the driver involved in the incident.

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