The Mumbai Police on Friday clarified a viral video showing a policeman allegedly manhandling a woman during a protest, stating that the incident was being misinterpreted on social media. The police said the officer was attempting to restrain a male protester when the woman came in between, leading to an incorrect perception of the incident. In a post on X, the Mumbai Police rejected the allegations against its personnel and described the interpretation of the officer’s actions as “extremely irresponsible and incorrect”.

The department said the video did not show the complete context of the situation and urged people not to draw conclusions based on a limited clip circulating online. The viral video had triggered criticism after it appeared to show a police officer physically confronting a woman during a protest. Several users on social media questioned the conduct of the officer and alleged that excessive force had been used against the protester. Responding to the criticism, Mumbai Police said the officer was involved in controlling a male protester during the demonstration.

According to the police version, the woman unintentionally came between the officer and the male protester while the officer was attempting to restrain him, resulting in the visuals being interpreted differently. The police department maintained that its personnel were acting in accordance with their duty to manage the protest situation and maintain public order. Officials stressed that a complete understanding of the circumstances was necessary before making allegations against the police force.

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The incident comes amid increased scrutiny over police handling of protests in Mumbai and other parts of the country. Videos from demonstrations frequently circulate online, often leading to public debate over the use of force, crowd control measures and the rights of protesters. While the Mumbai Police has issued its clarification, the viral video continues to attract attention on social media.

The department has not announced any disciplinary action against the officer involved, maintaining that the footage was being viewed without proper context. The controversy highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies during public demonstrations, where officers are required to balance maintaining order with ensuring the rights and safety of participants. Further developments will depend on any additional evidence or official review of the incident.

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