• Source:JND

Mumbai News: A video showing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Parag Shah slapping an auto-rickshaw driver in Mumbai’s Ghatkopar East area has sparked political reactions. The incident, which took place late on Friday, was captured on camera and has since circulated widely on social media.

According to a Times Of India report, the altercation began when the auto-rickshaw driver was allegedly travelling on the wrong side of the road. Shah reportedly stopped the vehicle and questioned the driver about the traffic violation. When the driver said he was in a hurry, the argument escalated, following which the MLA slapped him.

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The video was shared on X by Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad, who strongly criticised the BJP leader. In her post, Gaikwad accused BJP MLAs of acting with arrogance and targeting poor, working-class citizens. She alleged that such behaviour reflected a wider culture of impunity and questioned why elected representatives were taking the law into their own hands.

The incident occurred in Ghatkopar East, where Shah and local residents were reportedly protesting against traffic congestion and illegal hawkers. Shah later posted on X that a “strong movement” was underway against hawking and traffic violations in the area.

Defending his actions, Shah said residents had repeatedly raised concerns about rickshaws and two-wheelers driving on footpaths and the wrong side of the road. He claimed that enforcement by traffic and local police had been inadequate. According to Shah, the incident took place during the protest when an auto-rickshaw entered M G Road from the wrong direction. He said even the woman passenger inside the auto had objected to the driver breaking traffic rules.

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Shah maintained that the situation reflected public frustration over persistent traffic violations in the area. However, the visuals have drawn criticism across political lines, with questions being raised about the conduct expected from elected representatives.

The Tilak Nagar police said they are examining the video and are verifying the circumstances surrounding the incident. Officials added that further action would depend on the findings of the inquiry.

The matter continues to draw attention as the video remains widely shared online, fuelling debate over law enforcement, public conduct, and political accountability.


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