No FIR Against Woman Who Confronted Minister Girish Mahajan at Mumbai BJP Rally, Clarifies Mumbai Police
Mumbai: A woman who publicly confronted Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan over traffic disruption caused by a BJP rally in Mumbai’s Worli area has been the subject of a police complaint but no FIR has been registered against her, Mumbai police confirmed on Friday.
The complaint was filed on Wednesday by Zen Sadavarte, daughter of advocate Gunaratna Sadavarte. Deputy Commissioner of Police Krishnakant Upadhyay issued a clarification: “It is being clarified that no FIR has been registered against the woman who criticised traffic congestion and shouted at agitators during the morcha on April 21 near Jambhori Maidan in Worli.”
Police also pushed back against misinformation spreading online. “No FIR has been registered against the lady. We request you and everyone to verify the facts from official channels before posting on social media and refrain from spreading misinformation,” an official said.
What happened at the rally
The incident took place on Tuesday during a BJP rally in Worli, organised to target opposition parties over the defeat of the Constitution Amendment Bill aimed at fast-tracking 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
During the event, the woman confronted Mahajan while he was speaking to reporters, objecting to road blockages inconveniencing commuters. “Get out of here. You are causing a traffic jam,” she said, questioning why the rally could not be held at a nearby open ground.
In her complaint to Worli police, Sadavarte alleged the woman created a ruckus, used abusive language, obstructed the rally, and caused public disturbance. “Insult to hard-working police officials, public representatives, the Constitution and constitutional mechanism won’t be allowed in this country,” Sadavarte told reporters.
Sadavarte urged police to file a case under several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including sections 221 (obstructing public servants on duty), 132 (assault or criminal force to deter a public servant), 352 (intentional insult), 195 (assaulting or obstructing a public servant), and 353 (statements conducing to public mischief).
Mahajan himself said the woman’s anger was justified “to some extent,” though he maintained her language was inappropriate and ruled out legal action against her. Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to commuters by the rally. In a separate development, police have registered a case against the rally organisers for alleged violation of norms.