Van death: Protesting mob booked

The Pant Nagar police on Friday registered a case of rioting against the 250 persons who took to the streets after a towing van of the traffic police ran over a 54-year-old local on Thursday. The angry mob had damaged the towing crane and had tried to set it on fire. However, no arrests have been made so far.

The Pant Nagar police on Friday registered a case of rioting against the 250 persons who took to the streets after a towing van of the traffic police ran over a 54-year-old local on Thursday. The angry mob had damaged the towing crane and had tried to set it on fire. However, no arrests have been made so far.

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The rampaging crowd had been told to disperse as traffic was being obstructed, but the order was not followed, said an officer from the Pant Nagar police, requesting anonymity.

"In spite of arresting the accused, the crowd shut down Vallabhbaug Lane Road in Ghatkopar (East) and did not allow vehicles to ply," said the officer, adding: "They also pelted the crane with stones, broke its windscreen, and set the vehicle on fire."

The crowd also did not allow the police to tow away the crane till late afternoon. The protesters alleged that the driver, Imran Khan, and constable Arun Kadam were under the influence of alcohol. The medical tests of the duo, however, showed no presence of alcohol, the police said.

Deputy commissioner of police (traffic) Nandkumar Choughule said, "A departmental enquiry has been initiated against Kadam for negligence. Such policemen will be dealt with in the strictest manner possible to avoid similar incidents occurring in the future."