'We'll put drugs in your bag': Mumbai cop suspended after viral threat to NEET protesters

The video, shared by Mumbai Congress on X, purportedly shows a man in police uniform, seated in the driver's seat of a vehicle, warning a group of students that they would be implicated in a fabricated narcotics case if they participated in the protests again.

Several parts of Mumbai, including Shivaji Park, Chembur and Azad Maidan, have witnessed NEET protests in solidarity with the ongoing agitation at Delhi's Jantar Mantar.

Police launch probe

While IBNS could not independently verify the authenticity of the video, Mumbai Police have initiated an inquiry to determine whether the footage is genuine and to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident.

Pending the outcome of the investigation, the police officer has been suspended. Authorities have said strict action will be taken if the allegations are found to be true.

'50 grams of powder in your bags'

In the viral video, the officer is allegedly heard warning the students not to return to the protests.

He purportedly says that if they do, he would place "50-50 grams of powder in your bags and your life will be finished," implying they would be falsely implicated in a drugs case.

Mumbai Congress alleges intimidation

Sharing the video on X, Mumbai Congress wrote: "A viral video claims that @MumbaiPolice is threatening protesting students that if they return to demonstrate again, they will be framed in false drug cases and forced to rot in jail for their entire lives.

If this is true, it's not just an attempt to intimidate students, but a direct attack on democratic rights. Raising one's voice is not a crime. Students' questions should be answered with accountability, not threats."

Police tactics under scrutiny

According to the NDTV report, Mumbai Police's handling of the protests—including alleged digital tracking of protesters and home visits—has also come under scrutiny as demonstrations continue to spread beyond the national capital.