Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Nov 1: Juhu Police on Saturday arrested the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of a digital media company for allegedly threatening a traffic policeman and attempting to run him over with her luxury car following an accident in Vile Parle West the previous night. The accused, Juhi Mehta, was subsequently released on bail.

The FIR was registered based on a complaint by constable Prashant Hake (36), attached to the Santacruz traffic division.

According to Hake's statement, he was on traffic duty in Vile Parle West on Friday when, between 8.15 pm and 8.30 pm, he noticed a crowd gathering at Mahabharti Junction, opposite Pratiksha bungalow.

On reaching the spot, he found that a high-end car driven by Mehta and a hatchback had collided, with both vehicles obstructing traffic movement.

Hake said he instructed the two motorists to move their vehicles to one side. However, Mehta allegedly ignored his instructions and attempted to drive away.

When the constable stood in front of her car and again asked her to move it aside, Mehta allegedly argued with him and threatened to frame him in a false case under laws relating to crimes against women.

Despite noticing the policeman standing in front of her vehicle, Mehta allegedly started driving. Hake then signalled a bystander to record the incident on video.

The footage reportedly shows Mehta pressing the accelerator even as the uniformed constable repeatedly asked her to wait until additional police personnel arrived. The bystander recording the incident also knocked on the car's window and asked her to stop, but she allegedly refused. Mehta also began recording the incident on her phone.

According to Hake's statement, he feared being run over and eventually moved out of the vehicle's path. Mehta then allegedly sped away towards JVPD Junction.

The constable subsequently questioned the other motorist, identified as Navinkumar Jha, who was driving the hatchback. Jha reportedly told him that Mehta's luxury car had rammed into his vehicle from behind, damaging its taillight, bumper and boot.

On Saturday, Hake approached Juhu Police Station, following which a case was registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for intimidation, acts endangering life and personal safety, and using criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging official duty.

Police traced Mehta through the vehicle's registration number and arrested her. She was released on bail later the same day.

Mehta could not be contacted for her comments on the allegations.