Maratha Protesters Attack Passenger, Smash BEST Bus
Maratha quota agitators face charges for bus vandalism.
Mumbai Police have registered a case against 10 to 12 unidentified Maratha quota protesters accused of assaulting a passenger and vandalizing a Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) bus at Juhu depot on Sunday evening. The incident, which has sparked outrage, unfolded amid ongoing protests demanding reservation benefits for the Maratha community in Maharashtra.
The altercation occurred around 7:15 PM on Sunday when a group of protesters, gathered for the Maratha quota agitation, reportedly boarded a privately leased BEST bus parked at the Juhu depot. According to officials, a dispute over sharing a seat escalated into violence, with the protesters allegedly manhandling a passenger and smashing a bus window. The bus crew, absent during the initial scuffle, intervened to calm the situation, but both the protesters and passengers fled before police arrived.
A viral video circulating on social media captured the chaotic scene, showing individuals wearing saffron caps and scarves exchanging blows with passengers. The footage has intensified public debate over the conduct of the quota protests, which have disrupted parts of Mumbai, including a major hunger strike led by activist Manoj Jarange at Azad Maidan.
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Taking swift action, Juhu police filed a case on Monday under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for rioting, assault, and damaging public property. The charges reflect the authorities’ intent to curb violence amid the escalating Maratha quota agitation, which has seen thousands demand recognition of Marathas as Kunbis to access Other Backward Classes (OBC) benefits.
BEST officials condemned the vandalism, noting that the damaged bus disrupted public transport services in an already strained city. The incident has raised concerns about the protests’ impact on public safety and infrastructure, with local residents urging restraint from all parties involved.
As the investigation continues, police are analyzing the viral video and other evidence to identify the accused. The case adds to the challenges faced by the Maharashtra government, which is grappling with balancing the Maratha community’s demands with maintaining law and order in the state’s financial capital.
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