Mumbai rally: Confrontation with BJP minister inspires viral image; complaint filed against woman

Mumbai: A complaint has been filed against a woman who berated Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan over a traffic jam caused by a BJP rally in Mumbai, police said on Friday, while clarifying that no case has been registered against her.

The complaint was submitted on Wednesday by Zen Sadavarte, daughter of advocate Gunaratna Sadavarte. The incident took place on Tuesday in Worli, an upscale Mumbai locality, during a BJP rally organised to target opposition parties over the defeat of the Constitution Amendment Bill seeking to fast-track 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.

During the event, an agitated woman confronted minister Mahajan, who was speaking to reporters, raising objections over road blockages. “Get out of here. You are causing a traffic jam,” she said, questioning why the rally was not held at a nearby open ground. 

Complaint, allegations and police clarification

In her complaint to Worli police, Sadavarte alleged the woman created a ruckus, used abusive language, obstructed the rally and caused public disturbance.

“Insult to hard-working police officials, public representatives, the Constitution and constitutional mechanism won't be allowed in this country,” she told reporters.

She has sought registration of a case under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including sections 221 (obstructing public servants on duty), 132 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant), 352 (intentional insult), 195 (assaulting or obstructing public servant) and 353 (statements conducing to public mischief), officials said.

However, Deputy Commissioner of Police Krishnakant Upadhyay clarified, “It is being clarified that no FIR has been registered against the woman who criticised traffic congestion and shouted at agitators during the morcha on April 21 near Jambhori Maidan in Worli.”

Earlier, Mahajan had said the woman’s anger was justified “to some extent”, while adding her language was inappropriate and ruling out any legal action. Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde of the BJP expressed regret over commuter inconvenience. Police have also registered a case against rally organisers for alleged violation of norms.

Viral AI-generated image circulates online

The incident also drew wider attention on social media after a viral AI-generated illustration circulated online, appearing inspired by the confrontation.

The image showed a woman in a Nike t-shirt facing a police officer, with a crowd of ordinary citizens behind her. The caption read, “Question karna allowed hai,” translated as “Questioning allowed!”, along with the line “Amul. Always speaks up.”

While many users praised the sentiment as reflecting the voice of commuters, the artwork was later clarified to be AI-generated and not an official Amul creative, despite resembling the brand’s familiar visual style.