Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Jul 23: A police operation to detain and shift student protesters in Mumbai's Chembur area was disrupted after a man allegedly opened the latch of a police van, allowing several detained youths to escape, according to a viral video.

The incident took place on Wednesday afternoon during a student protest at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Udyan Chowk under the jurisdiction of Chembur police station. Police said the demonstration was held despite prohibitory orders in place.

According to officials, around 700 to 800 protesters had gathered at the spot. Police personnel attempted to persuade the crowd to disperse, following which the gathering was brought under control. Around 200 individuals were identified and detained during the action.

A video circulating on social media shows a man casually approaching a police van carrying detained protesters and opening its latch. Several students are seen jumping out of the vehicle and running away, while a woman standing nearby claps.

Another video from the protest showed a woman standing in front of a police vehicle and raising slogans.

"I understand that they are doing their job, but they are not doing it responsibly. If they don't behave responsibly, we must take responsibility for our citizens," she said in the video.

Referring to the student protests in Delhi, she added, "What they did with students in Delhi was wrong, and they have to own up. We cannot go to Jantar Mantar in Delhi. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan should resign. If not, then he should go to Jantar Mantar and talk to students."

Meanwhile, Mumbai Police said they have registered 13 cases and booked around 400 people between July 18 and July 22 in connection with the ongoing protests. The cases have been filed for alleged unlawful assembly and violation of prohibitory orders.