On Thursday morning, traffic constable Seema Kale pulled over an SUV because the driver was talking on the phone while driving. But the routine traffic violation took an ugly turn when 29-year-old Kale ended up getting thrashed on the streets in Thane.
Footage from a CCTV camera shows that the alleged culprit was Shiv Sena member Shashikant Kalgude; who got out of his white Mahindra Scorpio and slapped and punched the woman constable again and again.
The incident, which took place on at around 11:30 am on Thursday, has been creating waves on social media as well as ringing the alarm bells at the Shiv Sena party office.
On Friday, Shiv Sena distanced itself from Kalgude, saying that "the party has nothing to do" with the attack.
To all those tweeting to me about Thane incident, do read the Party statement on it. Office bearer or no, doesn't endorse the shameful act.
— Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) February 26, 2016
This is to reiterate the shameful incident of slapping a lady constable, has no political backing, will not be shielded by anyone at all
— Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) February 26, 2016
The Party supports strong and strict lawful action. He isn't an office bearer but regardless, such acts shld be firmly dealt with by law
— Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) February 26, 2016
Traffic DCP Rashmi Karandikar has written a letter to Thane RTO to terminate Kalgude’s driving licence permanently, according to Hindustan Times.
“Attacking a woman officer is a serious offence, so I have written a letter to the RTO that his driving licence should be terminated for life. He has previous crime record too. He is behind the bars now,” Karandikar told HT.
Kale was on duty under the Eastern Express Highway flyover near Nitin Junction in Thane on 25 February. She gestured Kalgude to stop his vehicle but he tried to dodge her, until she came in front of the SUV to stop him.
When the constable asked him to show his driving licence and the vehicle's documents, Kalgude started abusing her. He then slapped and punched her so hard that her nose started to bleed, reported PTI.
Kalgude has been arrested and booked under sections 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) and 354 (molestation) of the Indian Penal Code.
Contact HuffPost India
Also On HuffPost: