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A viral video showing a passerby opening the door of a police van and allowing detained student protesters to escape has sparked widespread attention in Mumbai, following demonstrations in the city’s Chembur area.
The incident took place on Wednesday during a student protest at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Udyan Chowk, which falls under the jurisdiction of Chembur Police Station, The Hindu reported.
According to police sources, between 700 and 800 protesters had gathered at the site. Police said they initially exercised restraint and attempted to persuade the demonstrators to disperse peacefully before detaining around 200 people.
The widely shared video shows a man casually approaching a police van carrying the detained students, unlatching the rear door and enabling several young protesters to jump out and flee. A young woman seen following the moving vehicle appears to cheer as the students make their escape.
The footage quickly spread across social media platforms, prompting debate over police security measures and crowd management during the protest.
Mumbai Police said they have registered 13 cases against about 400 people in connection with demonstrations held between July 18 and July 22. The cases include charges of unlawful assembly and violating prohibitory orders imposed by the authorities.
Police have not immediately disclosed whether any action has been taken against the man seen opening the van or whether the escaped students were later re-arrested.
The demonstrations are part of a series of student-led protests that have taken place in Mumbai in recent days.