A video showing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Parag Shah physically assaulting a rickshaw driver has ignited a major controversy in Mumbai. The incident, which occurred in the Ghatkopar (East) constituency represented by Shah, has drawn sharp condemnation from opposition parties and prompted a police investigation.
What Happened on M G Road?
The altercation took place late on Friday on M G Road in Ghatkopar East. According to BJP functionaries present at the scene, the rickshaw driver was allegedly driving on the wrong side of the road. When MLA Parag Shah, who was participating in a protest against traffic violations, questioned the driver about his urgency, the driver reportedly replied that he was in a hurry. This exchange was followed by Shah slapping the driver, an act captured in the now-viral video.
Political Firestorm and Conflicting Narratives
The video was swiftly shared on social media platform X by Mumbai Congress chief and MP Varsha Gaikwad. In a strongly worded post, she accused BJP MLAs of arrogance and high-handedness. "BJP MLAs have become so arrogant that they don't spare poor rickshaw drivers," Gaikwad stated. She further alleged, "The BJP rolls out the red carpet for big industrialists and contractors, and takes pride in beating up the poor, working-class people!" She linked this behavior to the perceived protection from the Home Minister.
In his defense, MLA Parag Shah presented a different account, emphasizing persistent public grievances. He claimed that local residents have repeatedly complained about rickshaws and two-wheelers driving on the wrong side and on footpaths, making it difficult for pedestrians. "There is no place to walk in Ghatkopar East," Shah said. He asserted that traffic and local police have been unresponsive to these complaints, leading to the protest. Shah also mentioned that a female passenger inside the rickshaw had allegedly asked the driver not to break traffic rules.
Police Investigation Underway
Following the circulation of the video and the ensuing uproar, the Tilak Nagar police have initiated an inquiry. Authorities confirmed they are in the process of verifying the authenticity of the video footage and investigating the exact sequence of events to determine any legal violations. The outcome of this investigation is awaited as public and political scrutiny intensifies.
The incident highlights the volatile mix of traffic chaos, public frustration, and the conduct of elected representatives. It raises significant questions about the rule of law and whether individuals, regardless of their position, can take it into their own hands to punish perceived infractions.
