BY PC Bureau
Mumbai, July 23: Mumbai Police have ordered an internal inquiry after a viral video purportedly showed a police constable threatening detained students with fabricated drug charges if they participated in protests again, triggering sharp political reactions and raising fresh concerns over police conduct during demonstrations.
The video, shared by the Mumbai Congress on X, appears to show a uniformed policeman, seated inside a police vehicle, warning a group of students against returning to protests organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).
In the video, the policeman is heard saying: “If you are seen here again, I will ruin your lives. I will put 50-50 grams of powder in your bags and your lives will be finished.”
The officer also allegedly tells the students to return home and stay away from future protests, while complaining that the demonstrations had made policing more difficult.
The authenticity of the video has not been independently verified.
Police Launch Internal Inquiry
Mumbai Police acknowledged the circulation of the video and said an inquiry had been initiated to ascertain its authenticity and the circumstances in which the remarks were allegedly made.
Pending the outcome of the investigation, the police constable, who was reportedly serving as a driver and is seen in uniform in the video, has been removed from his current assignment.
Officials said appropriate departmental action would be taken if the allegations were substantiated.
READ: CJI Flags Commuter Woes, Warns of SC Action Over Metro Shutdown
Congress Alleges Intimidation
The Mumbai Congress, which shared the video, accused the police of attempting to intimidate students exercising their democratic right to protest.
In a statement posted on X, the party said:
“A viral video claims that Mumbai Police is threatening protesting students that if they return to demonstrate again, they will be framed in false drug cases and forced to rot in jail for their entire lives. If this is true, it is not just an attempt to intimidate students, but a direct attack on democratic rights. Raising one’s voice is not a crime. Students’ questions should be answered with accountability, not threats.”
The Congress demanded a transparent investigation and action against those found guilty of misconduct.
Is this the modus operandi of Mumbai Police and NCB? Is this how those infamous NCB cases were filed? Policeman threatens students he will plant powder in their pockets!
NEET पेपरफुटीविरोधात न्याय मागणाऱ्या विद्यार्थ्यांना पोलिसांच्या गाडीत बसवून धमकावलं जातंय “पुन्हा दिसलास तर… pic.twitter.com/krT2KA522F
— Prof. Varsha Eknath Gaikwad (@VarshaEGaikwad) July 23, 2026
Protests Over NEET Paper Leak
The controversy comes amid a series of student protests in Mumbai over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and demands for reforms in India’s examination system.
Demonstrations organised by the Cockroach Janta Party and student groups have been held at Shivaji Park, Azad Maidan, Chembur and other parts of the city, mirroring similar protests taking place in Delhi and several other states.
Students are demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, strict action against those responsible for the alleged examination leak, and greater transparency in competitive examinations.
Police Tactics Under Scrutiny
In recent days, Mumbai Police have also faced criticism over their strategy to prevent repeat demonstrations.
Several protesters have alleged that police teams visited their homes, contacted them through phone calls and WhatsApp messages, sought their live locations and served notices under provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), warning them against participating in unlawful assemblies.
Police officials have defended the measures, saying they were targeted only at individuals previously named in FIRs or those who had allegedly violated prohibitory orders, and were intended to maintain public order.
The viral video has nevertheless intensified the debate over the limits of police powers and the protection of the constitutional right to peaceful protest.
The outcome of the departmental inquiry is expected to determine whether disciplinary action will be initiated against the officer seen in the video.
