Cops arrest 15 for molesting women during Maha bandh

Mumbai: The Chembur police has arrested 15 persons for allegedly molesting several women police personnel during the rioting last Wednesday, when a state-wide bandh was observed by dalit outfits. The groups were protesting caste violence in Pune during the bicentennial of the Battle of Bhima-Koregaon.

The police had registered a case of molestation the day after the incidents took place. The arrests were made with the help of CCTV footage procured from multiple spots where protesters clashed with police personnel.

The arrested persons are from various backgrounds and some of them are educated too, the police said. The Chembur police had registered one case of rioting with several other sections, including attempt to murder and molestation.

The arrested accused was part of the mob that went berserk in Chembur’s Ghatla village area, which was one of the worst hit places.

“We have arrested the accused for targeting women constables. The rioters did not bother to keep a check on the acts,” said Shahaji Umap, deputy commissioner of police (zone VI).

The police had deployed substantial number of women personnel during the riots, as the rioters comprised a large number of women and children protesters.

“Most of the accused were apprehended by the riot police and other reinforcements, and the rest were identified with the help of CCTV footage of these places and nabbed later,” said an officer posted at Chembur police station.

All the accused have been remanded in police custody for further investigation. The police is in the process of ascertaining identities of other violent protesters.

The probe also led to the arrests of 16 juveniles earlier, who allegedly created a ruckus and indulged in rioting and arson. The rioting was the backlash of attack on the centenary celebrations at Bhima-Koregaon in Pune on January 1. Many of the protesters were allegedly those who were beaten up at Pune.