A police crackdown on illegal hawkers in Borivli turned confrontational after a pani puri vendor allegedly resisted eviction and clashed with officers. A case was registered under multiple BNS sections as enforcement drives intensify across Mumbai
A street vendor argues with police personnel during an anti-hawker drive on Shimpoli Road in Borivli. Pics/By Special Arrangement
The ongoing crackdown on street hawkers by police in Borivali has begun triggering backlash, with frustration among vendors spilling onto the streets. One such enforcement drive on Wednesday evening turned confrontational after a hawker allegedly resisted police action, leading to a heated clash with officers.
The incident has once again highlighted rising tensions between civic authorities and street vendors as intensified enforcement drives continue to affect livelihoods across Mumbai. Following the incident, police registered a case and arrested a pani puri vendor under Sections 132, 285, 223, 221 and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for obstructing government work and related offences.
Incident details
According to police, the incident occurred on February 4 at around 8.05 pm on the footpath opposite Chintamani Garden near a medical store on Shimpoli Road. A police team had reached the spot to take action against an unauthorised pani puri and vegetable stall that was allegedly obstructing pedestrian movement and traffic.
Police alleged that the vendor lost his temper when officials began the eviction drive. He allegedly abused police personnel, pushed them and attempted to assault members of the team while shouting, thereby obstructing them from performing official duties.
The complainant in the case is Bhaudas Jejiram Gangurde, 39, a police officer who was on duty at the time. The accused has been identified as Subhash Murari Yadav, 48, a pani puri and vegetable vendor residing at Saiprasad Mitra Mandal in Kastur Park, Shimpoli Road, Borivali West. He is originally from Uttar Pradesh.
Police said Yadav was allegedly selling food items illegally on the footpath, causing traffic obstruction. When enforcement action began, he allegedly pushed officers, behaved aggressively and deliberately interfered with official work. The accused was arrested in the early hours of Thursday, and further investigation is underway.
Police statement
An officer from Borivali police station said that large-scale action against illegal hawkers is being carried out following court directives and under the guidance of senior officers, including the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zone XI. Officials said enforcement drives have helped clear areas around railway stations and police station zones, providing relief to pedestrians.
Police records show that last year, 241 cases were registered against illegal hawkers under relevant BNS sections. Additionally, action was taken against around 2299 vendors under special enforcement drives, with fines imposed.
“So far this year, 62 cases have been registered under BNS Section 285 and six cases under Section 287. If enforcement across all police stations under Zone XI is considered, the numbers are significantly higher,” a police officer said.
The officer added that during Wednesday’s drive, the accused vendor allegedly misbehaved with officers and pushed them, following which a case was registered, and he was arrested.
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