Navi Mumbai Homemaker Seeks Chief Minister's Intervention After Alleged Assault by Illegal Hawkers
A 44-year-old homemaker from Vashi, Navi Mumbai, has urgently appealed to the Chief Minister for intervention, claiming she was brutally assaulted twice last week by a group of illegal hawkers. The woman alleges that the attackers attempted to strangle and molest her in retaliation for her persistent complaints against encroachments on public land over the past year.
Police Response Sparks Controversy
Despite the severity of the allegations, Vashi police registered a non-cognisable offence instead of a formal FIR, categorizing the incident as a minor altercation between two parties. Senior Police Inspector Shashikant Chandekar stated, "The accused have rebutted the charges. Considering that it was a minor altercation prima facie, a non-cognisable offence was filed. We are investigating from all angles."
The victim, identified as Madhu Shankar, detailed the attacks in her complaint. On March 4, she was allegedly targeted by a gang of illegal hawkers after she photographed encroachments and shared the evidence with civic officials. "They tried to snatch my phone and threatened to molest me," she recounted. The following day, she claims she was brutally attacked again, with one assailant attempting to strangle her.
Background of the Conflict
Shankar asserts that the assaults are directly linked to her vocal opposition against Babu Samanta, an alleged leader of illegal hawkers in the area. She accuses Samanta of not only encroaching on public property and an MSEDCL substation but also employing child laborers. A year ago, she submitted a complaint with evidence to the Women and Child Welfare Committee (CWC) in Thane, but no action was taken. The committee reportedly forwarded her letter to the labor department.
"Vashi police have not taken action against Samanta, saying they will initiate it if they get a letter from the CWC," Shankar alleged. She further claims that Samanta has attacked her previously, but police have not informed her of any action taken in those instances.
Additional Systemic Battles
Beyond the harassment from hawkers, Shankar is embroiled in another dispute with the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL). She alleges receiving inflated power bills and, after repeatedly complaining, had her electricity supply disconnected a month ago. This adds to her challenges in seeking justice and safety.
The case highlights ongoing issues with illegal encroachments and police responsiveness in urban areas. As investigations continue, the victim's plea to the Chief Minister underscores the need for stronger protection for citizens who report civic violations.
