Mumbai: Wrong-way driving dispute leads to scuffle in Colaba

Dilip Koli at the temple. PICS/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

It was Sunday, May 31, morning with an aggressive twist. As regular walker, Dr Nitin Salian, Colaba resident, was returning home via D Vyas Marg at approximately 8 am, he saw a car driving down on the wrong side of a one-way lane in Colaba.

The general and laparoscopic surgeon said, "I stopped the car and told the driver he was in a one-way street. An occupant then got out of the car, and both, the driver and passenger started hurling the choicest of abuse at me. I was also punched, and some kicks were flying. I am a senior citizen, but I'm six feet three inches tall and fit. I landed a few punches, and after some intervention, it ended."

The person who attacked Dr Salian is Dilip Koli from the area. Koli told mid-day, "I am the Jamshedji Bunder Gaothan Kruti Samiti chairman. On Sunday morning, the car had entered a no-entry lane when this gentleman asked me to go back. I was going to buy some flowers and fruit. I was to head towards Karla [Lonavala] for a puja. I admit it was wrong to enter a no-entry lane. I was in a rush and that was weighing heavily on my mind. This man stopped my car, but instead of talking politely, he abused me. I was ready to turn around and go back, but the verbal altercation escalated. Things came to blows after that. I am a heart patient, and my blood pressure shot up."

Jetty problem

A hugely controversial passenger jetty project at Radio Club near the Gateway of India in Colaba had seen fierce backlash from some in the area. Others, though, were supportive.

‘Abysmal situation'

Dr Nitin Salian,
‘This reflects the abysmal safety situation in Colaba, where residents following the law are unsafe. My attackers have threatened to find out where I live and come into my home to beat me up. I have filed a complaint at the Colaba police station'

‘An ego battle'

Dilip Koli,
‘I am a social worker. This was basically an ego battle. I have great goodwill amongst the Kolis here. I work tirelessly for my community. Some people are against me as I have been supporting the jetty. They call me ‘don' and ‘tapori' [goon] on WhatsApp chats. Will I, too, not be hurt?'