The Naupada police initially refused to register an FIR, opting instead to file a non-cognisable complaint and only after persistent efforts by the victim and his associates did they register one
The victims, Nishant Bangera and his wife, Amritha Mohan
A Thane-based social activist was allegedly assaulted in a road rage incident near the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) office on Thursday night by a man who claimed to be from the Merchant Navy and was later found to be driving under the influence.
The Naupada police initially refused to register an FIR, opting instead to file a non-cognisable complaint and only after persistent efforts by the victim and his associates did they register one. Police officials later confirmed to mid-day that the accused was intoxicated at the time of the incident and was fined Rs 10,000 for drunk driving.
The victim is identified as Nishant Bangera, 33, and his wife, Amritha Mohan, 32, residents of Thane. On Thursday night, Nishant picked up Amritha from Thane railway station and they were going back home.
The accused’s car
Recounting the incident, Nishant told mid-day, “We were on the bike, I was driving. I realised that my bike was low on fuel so I diverted my route to the petrol pump via the service road. I saw a car, but since there was space on the left, I overtook it and went straight. The person inside the car saw me, abused, and I abused him back. I simply left.”
However, things quickly escalated. “As I went further, I noticed that the car was following us, and it ended up chasing us, eventually blocking us. He then stepped out and started thrashing my helmet, and it ended up breaking. After I removed the helmet, he slapped me multiple times, continued to use crass words to me and my wife, Amritha. He continued to do so, and only stopped when people gathered around, including some traffic cops,” Nishant added.
Traffic police present at the scene reportedly advised Nishant to approach the Naupada police station for further action.
“The classic behaviour of victim shaming began at the police station. First, they blamed me for not capturing the full number plate of the assaulter’s car — the last digit was missing in the photo. Then an officer said, ‘Only the helmet got damaged, why do you want to make it into an FIR?’” Nishant said.
“As the couple tried to push for formal action, the accused himself walked into the police station. Instead of immediately conducting a breathalyser test or sending him for a blood test, the police pointed at him and asked, ‘Does this guy look drunk to you?’” Nishant said, expressing disbelief at the dismissive attitude of the officials.
Nishant admitted that in the moment, he was shaken and unsure how to proceed, which led him to reach out to a friend with some influence to help navigate the situation.
“After my friend arrived and pressurised the cops, they finally agreed to conduct a test and it confirmed that the man was under the influence. Being an activist, and because of my privilege, I was at least able to get an NC registered. If I were a common man, the cops would have done nothing.”
When contacted, Abhay Mahajan, senior inspector at Naupada police station, said, “An NC has been registered. His alcohol test came out positive. We have penalised him for drunk driving under the Motor Vehicles Act and fined him R10,000 as per the rules.”
Mahajan added, “There was no assault as such, no damages to property in this case, hence no FIR. We are investigating the incident.”
Mahajan further confirmed that the assaulter’s vehicle was seized and his driving licence has been confiscated. “It will be sent to the RTO for permanent suspension,” he added.
Meanwhile, Nishant is preparing to escalate the matter legally. He plans to consult with his lawyer and submit a formal complaint to the Thane police commissioner.
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