In a shocking incident highlighting urban tensions over parking spaces, popular television actor Anuj Sachdeva was allegedly assaulted by a neighbour in his Goregaon West residential complex. The Bangur Nagar police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) based on the actor's complaint, bringing the late-night altercation into the legal spotlight.
The Incident: A Walk Turns Violent
The episode unfolded on Sunday night at the housing society in Goregaon West. According to the official complaint, Anuj Sachdeva, aged 40, stepped out to walk his dog around 10:30 PM after dinner. He noticed a vehicle parked outside the designated parking area, a common flashpoint in crowded Mumbai societies. The actor took a photograph of the incorrectly parked car and shared it on the society's WhatsApp group, a typical course of action for many residents.
A short while later, a friend joined Sachdeva on his walk. At approximately 10:45 PM, a man approached them, identifying himself as the car's owner, and reportedly refused to move his vehicle. The situation escalated when Sachdeva's dog began barking at the individual. The man, allegedly angered, picked up a stick. Fearing for his pet's safety, Sachdeva instructed his friend to take the dog away from the scene.
The Alleged Assault and Police Action
With the dog removed, the confrontation turned physical. The car owner is accused of then hitting the actor on his head, back, and right leg. He also allegedly issued threats. The actor's friend raised an alarm, prompting the society watchman to rush to the spot. Following this intervention, the alleged attacker left the premises in his car.
Sachdeva later clarified that his dog barked only after sensing his owner was in potential danger. He proceeded to file a formal complaint with the Bangur Nagar police, leading to the registration of an FIR. The actor received support from the Pure Animal Lovers Foundation, an organization that assisted him in the complaint process. The foundation has urged the police to invoke more stringent charges against the accused.
Broader Implications of Society Disputes
This incident underscores the intense pressures of communal living in metropolitan cities like Mumbai, where disputes over parking, noise, and shared amenities frequently arise. While disagreements are common, they rarely escalate to physical violence, making this case particularly alarming. The involvement of a public figure has drawn significant attention to the issue of resident safety and conflict resolution within housing societies.
The police investigation is now underway. The case serves as a stark reminder for residential complexes to have clear, enforceable rules and effective mediation channels to de-escalate tensions before they turn violent.
