Mumbai: Woman who berated Girish Mahajan faces complaint after Worli rally

Woman slamming BJP Minister Girish Mahajan during the BJP protest (File pic)

A complaint has been filed against a woman who berated Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan for a traffic jam caused by a BJP rally in Mumbai over the women's reservation bill, police said on Friday.

As reported by news agency PTI, the complaint was submitted to the Worli police station on Wednesday by Zen Sadavarte, daughter of advocate Gunaratna Sadavarte.

The incident occurred in the upscale Worli area on Tuesday, April 21, during a rally organised by the BJP to target opposition parties over the defeat of the Constitution Amendment Bill.

The ruckus broke out when an agitated woman confronted minister Girish Mahajan, who was speaking to reporters. The women shouted at the minister for blocking roads and causing inconvenience to commuters.

While slamming the BJP Minister, the woman said, "Get out of here. You are causing a traffic jam," asking why the rally could not be held on the nearby open ground.

Launching a complaint against the woman, Sadavarte said she created a ruckus, using abusive language, obstructing the rally and causing public disturbance.

While talking to the media after filing a complaint, she said, "Insults to hard-working police officials, public representatives, the Constitution and constitutional mechanisms won't be allowed in this country," as cited by PTI.

Police officials, while briefing about the complaint filed against the woman, said that Sadavarte has urged the police to register a case against the woman under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections, including 221 (obstructing public servants on duty), 132 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty), 352 (intentional insult), 195 (assaulting or obstructing public servant) and 353 (statements conducing to public mischief).

On the contrary, BJP Minister Mahajan had said that the woman's anger was justified to "some extent". He, however, had emphasised that her language was inappropriate, ruling out any legal action against her.

Furthermore, Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde, who also represents the BJP, expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to commuters due to the rally.

As per PTI, police have also registered a case against the rally organisers for alleged violation of norms.

(With inputs from PTI)