Mumbai Juhu Bus Station Clash: Maratha Protesters Allegedly Assault Commuter, Shatter BEST Bus Window; Police Scan CCTV After Viral Video
Mumbai: A group identified as Maratha protesters allegedly attacked a passenger and vandalised a BEST bus at Juhu bus station on Sunday evening, prompting a police probe after a 59-second video of the incident spread widely on social media, officials said.
What happened
Officials said the disturbance began around 7:15 pm when a wet-lease BEST bus on route 201 was stationed at the stop without crew present, and a dispute between some protesters and passengers escalated into a scuffle inside the vehicle. A BEST spokesperson confirmed that a window was broken during the confrontation before staff arrived and attempted to calm the situation, as seen in visuals shot from outside the bus showing people exchanging blows.
Video goes viral
A short clip, running approximately 59 seconds, circulated online on Monday morning and drew wide attention to the episode, highlighting the smashing of the third window from the rear on the right side of the bus, according to sources cited in reports. The footage shows individuals in saffron caps and scarves amid jostling with commuters, amplifying public concern over commuter safety during demonstrations, media reports noted.
Marshals respond, call to 100
BEST marshals and staff rushed to the spot and tried to defuse tensions but the crowd remained confrontational until the incident was reported via the police emergency helpline 100, according to accounts from the scene. Before officers reached the location, those involved both protesters and passengers had dispersed, leaving the damaged bus to be withdrawn from service while alternative arrangements were made for remaining commuters, officials said.
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Police investigation
Police have opened an inquiry and are reviewing CCTV from the area to identify those responsible for the alleged assault and vandalism, authorities and BEST representatives stated. The spokesperson added that the crew had alerted police during the flare-up, but no arrests were immediately made as the parties left the site prior to law enforcement’s arrival.
BEST reaction and safety concerns
BEST officials condemned the attack and pledged cooperation with investigators to ensure action against those involved, noting the bus was leased from a private operator at the time of the incident. The episode has renewed attention on the vulnerability of public transport during mass agitations in Mumbai, as large-scale demonstrations linked to the Maratha quota movement also caused disruptions across areas including CSMT and South Mumbai, media reports said.