PTC Web Desk: The Mumbai Police have suspended a police driver and ordered a departmental inquiry after a video surfaced online showing him allegedly threatening student protesters with false drug cases if they continued participating in demonstrations. The policeman, identified as Pawan Sangle, was seen in the viral video warning detained students that they could spend the rest of their lives in jail if they returned to future protests.

The incident has sparked criticism on social media and prompted immediate action from the authorities.

Who is Pawan Sangle?

Pawan Sangle serves as a driver in the Motor Transport (MT) Department of Mumbai Police and was posted at Sion Police Station. He was reportedly assigned to assist senior police officers during the protest at Shivaji Park.

Following the controversy, Sangle has been suspended from duty and transferred to the police control room until the inquiry is completed.

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Inquiry ordered by Mumbai Police

The Maharashtra government has taken serious note of the viral clip and directed the Mumbai Police to investigate the matter.

According to a senior government official, Sangle has been suspended while the inquiry is underway. The investigation will determine whether disciplinary or further legal action is required.

What does the viral video show?

The video was reportedly recorded inside a police van by one of the students who had been detained during the protest.

In the footage, the policeman can be heard asking the students to return home and avoid participating in future demonstrations.

He allegedly warns them that if they are seen protesting again, he would "ruin" their lives. He is also heard threatening to plant narcotics in their bags and falsely implicate them in a drug case, saying such an action would destroy their future.

The remarks have drawn widespread condemnation online after the video was shared across social media platforms.

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Incident sparks political reaction

The Congress party shared the video on X (formerly Twitter) and demanded strict action against the policeman, calling the alleged threats unacceptable.

The controversy comes at a time when Mumbai has witnessed large student protests in support of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led agitation in New Delhi. Thousands of students have participated in demonstrations demanding accountability from the government over alleged examination irregularities.