Viral video of Mumbai cop dragging woman protester triggers political storm

A video shared by Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad purportedly showing a police officer manhandling a woman protester during the ongoing student agitation has triggered a fresh political controversy and drawn widespread criticism on social media.

What is this behaviour Mumbai Police? Why is a male cop mandhandling a young female protestor like this? Why isn't he letting his female colleagues handle this? What action will be taken against him? This is unacceptable @Dev_Fadnavis pic.twitter.com/H48j8l4JhI

— Prof. Varsha Eknath Gaikwad (@VarshaEGaikwad) July 23, 2026

The footage, reportedly recorded during a protest in Mumbai's Dadar area, shows a plainclothes police officer grabbing and dragging a woman amid the chaos as demonstrators were being dispersed. The clip quickly went viral, with Opposition leaders alleging excessive use of force against women protesters.

Growing outrage

The latest controversy follows multiple allegations of police excesses against women during the nationwide student protests. In Delhi, several videos from the July 20-21 crackdown at Jantar Mantar showed women protesters being dragged, lifted and forcibly removed by police personnel.

Also read: From slaps, social media ridicule to threats: Police brutality under fire amid CJP protests

The incidents prompted criticism from Opposition parties and rights activists while the Delhi High Court has since directed Delhi Police to preserve CCTV footage and other records related to the operation after hearing petitions alleging police excesses.

Sharing the video on X, Gaikwad described the officer's conduct as "unacceptable" and demanded strict action against those responsible.

Mumbai Police, however, rejected the allegations, saying the video was being viewed out of context.

Ma’am, please note, this is being irresponsibly misinterpreted- the official, while managing law & order there, was trying to hold on to a male protestor when a lady unknowingly stepped in between, while he was looking away- Being a public figure, you are expected to verify… https://t.co/xwVqirsYf1

— मुंबई पोलीस Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) July 24, 2026

Responding to Gaikwad's post, the police said the officer had been attempting to restrain a male protester when the woman stepped between them during the scuffle.

Social media analyses video

Despite the clarification, the explanation has failed to quell criticism. Several users on social media questioned the police's version after closely analysing the footage. They argued that although the officer may initially have reached for the woman inadvertently, the video appears to show him continuing to hold and drag her even after realising she was not the intended target.

Also read: Modi govt treating students seeking accountability as 'enemies of nation': Sonia

Among those questioning the police's defence was NCP (SP) leader Rohit Pawar. In a post on X, he asked why the officer did not immediately release the woman after recognising the mistake, alleging that the footage contradicted the police's explanation.

No action taken

No disciplinary action has been announced against the officer involved in the incident, with authorities maintaining that the allegations are based on a misleading interpretation of the video.

This is the second instance in two days when the Mumbai Police's handling of the student protests has come under scrutiny.

Earlier, the force suspended a police constable after a video recorded inside a police vehicle showed him allegedly threatening detained student protesters.

Also read: CJP protests expose Modi's Achilles' heel: A government unused to listening

In the clip, Pawan Sangle, who was driving the police vehicle, purportedly warned students that he would plant "50 grams of powder" in their pockets to implicate them in a narcotics case if they returned to the protests. Mumbai Police subsequently initiated a departmental inquiry into the matter.