Mumbai protestors refuse to back down as police detain demonstrators and seal August Kranti Maidan

Aditya Thackeray at DN Nagar police station in support of Tushar Gandhi. PIC/Satej Shinde

Slogans of resistance echoed through Nana Chowk on Saturday as Mumbai Police detained protestors who had gathered in solidarity with ongoing demonstrations in Delhi. Chants of "Inquilab Zindabad", "Jab Jab Modi Darta Hai, Police Ko Aage Karta Hai" and "Gyanu, Shah, Modi Chale Jao" continued even as demonstrators were taken into custody.

Tensions flared as female protestors argued with women police personnel over being touched during detention. Protestors attempted to evade arrest by running into nearby buildings as police officers chased them down and dragged them out. Despite being detained, protestors continued shouting slogans while being shoved into police vans. With barricades and confrontation taking place at Nana Chowk, most protestors didn't make it to the Maidan but it was not for lack of trying. Even as August Kranti Maidan was sealed, Gowalia Tank Road was shut to traffic and access to the skywalk was restricted too.

Protestors alleged that police personnel forcefully detained them, including women, raising questions about the city police's treatment of peaceful dissent. Some demonstrators also tried to resist detainment.

At Gowalia Tank Road, only residents were allowed through, while the Maidan was sealed ahead of the 3.30 pm gathering.

"On Saturday, the police officers had adopted a heavy-handed approach reminiscent of the policing often criticised during demonstrations in Delhi," said Mridula Shankar, a protestor.