Mumbai Cop Threatens to Plant Drugs on Protesting Students, Probe Ordered

Mumbai: A Mumbai police officer has landed in trouble after a video surfaced showing him threatening to "plant drugs" on a group of students who were protesting the arrest of a fellow student. The incident, which took place in the western suburbs, has prompted senior officials to order a departmental inquiry.

Video Shows Heated Exchange

The video, which has since gone viral on social media, captures the officer engaged in a heated argument with the students. In the clip, he is heard saying, "Main tum logon ke paas drugs plant kar dunga" (I will plant drugs on you people). The students had gathered outside a police station to protest against the detention of one of their classmates.

The protest was part of a larger demonstration against what the students claim was an unwarranted arrest over a minor dispute. The officer's threat has sparked outrage among student groups and civil rights activists, who have condemned the language and actions of the law enforcement personnel.

Police Initiate Probe

Taking cognisance of the incident, senior Mumbai police officials have ordered a departmental inquiry into the matter. The officer has been identified and is expected to be summoned for questioning. A senior officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the inquiry would examine whether the officer's conduct violated the police department's code of conduct.

The police have also appealed for calm, stating that the matter is being taken seriously. "We do not condone any form of misconduct. The inquiry will be fair and swift," the officer added. The student group has filed a formal complaint demanding action against the officer.

Background of the Protest

The protest was triggered by the arrest of a student from a college in the western suburbs. The student was reportedly taken into custody following a complaint by a local shopkeeper over a verbal altercation. Fellow students alleged that the arrest was unnecessary and that the police had used excessive force while detaining him.

The incident has reignited debates about police conduct and the rights of students to protest peacefully. Activists have pointed out that such threats undermine public trust in law enforcement agencies.

While the police have maintained that the arrest was lawful, the video of the officer's threat has put the department on the back foot. The inquiry is expected to submit its findings within a week.

What happens next depends on the outcome of the departmental inquiry. The officer could face disciplinary action, including suspension, if found guilty of misconduct. The student group has vowed to continue their protest until justice is served.