A video clip showing a private vehicle being towed away despite a woman and her infant child being inside went viral on social media on Saturday, leading to the suspension of a Mumbai Traffic Police constable.
While the sequence of events is still being ascertained, the person who recorded the video is heard claiming that his vehicle, which was flouting parking rules, was towed away despite his wife and seven-month-old son, who was unwell, sitting in the car. Police officers said the incident occurred on SV Road in Malad on Friday, and the video was uploaded on Facebook shortly thereafter. By Saturday, it was being forwarded on WhatsApp, and senior Traffic Police officers issued instructions to initiate an inquiry into the matter.
Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Amitesh Kumar said, “ Prima facie inquiries indicate that the constable, Shashank Rane, displayed a total lack of sensitivity and endangered the safety of the woman and her child. He has been placed under suspension and an inquiry has been initiated.”
Another video, captured by one of the personnel in the towing vehicle, surfaced on WhatsApp later on Saturday, shows a conversation between Mr. Rane and his colleagues. In the video, the man who recorded the video tries to argue with the police personnel. When they refuse to entertain him and attach the towing mechanism to the car, he asks his wife to sit inside with their child.
Traffic Police officers are trying to trace the couple to record their statements. They are also examining CCTV footage of the area, based on which further action will be decided.
