A 25-year-old woman from Navi Mumbai faces serious legal action after allegedly obstructing and assaulting officials on election vigilance duty in Kharghar. The incident, which occurred on Friday evening, has led to her being booked under multiple sections of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Confrontation During Vehicle Inspection
The altercation took place at around 6:45 pm near the Hiranandani junction in Kharghar. A Static Surveillance Team (SST) flying squad, deployed for election vigilance in Kharghar ward numbers 4, 5, and 6 for the Panvel City Municipal Corporation polls, stopped a Multi-Utility Vehicle (MUV) for a routine check. The vehicle was being driven by the brother of the accused, Manali Thakur, a tuition teacher from Kopra village in sector 10, Kharghar. Their mother was also present in the vehicle.
Officials state that Thakur became annoyed when her vehicle was stopped. After getting out, she strongly objected to the inspection, which was being conducted on suspicion. The situation quickly escalated as she began yelling at the SST officials and the on-duty police officers, creating a major disturbance at the spot.
Alleged Assault and Damage to Government Property
The confrontation turned physical when Thakur reportedly snatched the video camera from the official government videographer. In a fit of rage, she is accused of damaging the equipment by banging it forcefully onto the road. She also hurled expletives at the public servants who were performing their duty under the model code of conduct enforced for the ongoing elections.
Senior Inspector Ajay Kamble of Kharghar police station confirmed the sequence of events. Based on a formal complaint filed by SST official Janardan Sarde (44), who is a Morbe grampanchayat official, an FIR was registered at the Kharghar police station against Manali Thakur.
Legal Repercussions Under New Laws
The accused has been charged under relevant sections of the BNS for a series of serious offences. The charges include:
- Assault or use of criminal force to deter a public servant from duty.
- Obstructing a public servant in the discharge of public functions.
- Mischief causing wrongful loss or damage to property.
- Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace.
- Criminal intimidation.
In addition to the FIR, Thakur was also served a notice under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). She has been summoned to appear before the police for further inquiry into the matter. This case highlights the strict enforcement of the model code of conduct and the serious consequences of obstructing election-related duties.
The incident serves as a stern reminder that authorities are empowered to take strong action against anyone who tries to hinder the democratic process or assaults officials on duty, especially during the sensitive period of elections.
