Archive · 20 Sep 2026
Sanjay Raut Seeks Probe Into Alleged Colaba Ganeshotsav Police Misconduct
Sanjay Raut says a police officer caused problems at a Ganesh festival location in Colaba.
The festival organisers reportedly had permission to hold the event there.
Raut says the officer threatened and abused some organisers and devotees.
He also says women were harassed and mobile phones were taken.
Raut says a video may show what happened.
He believes the mandal may have been targeted for a political reason.
The police officer’s side of the allegation is not given in the article.
Raut has asked the Mumbai Police Commissioner to investigate fairly.
Sanjay Raut accused DCP Traffic South Zone Hemraj Rajput of threatening organisers of a Colaba Ganesh mandal.
Raut alleged that organisers and devotees were verbally abused, intimidated and harassed during the officer’s visit.
He claimed the officer allegedly snatched mobile phones and that video of the incident exists.
Raut suggested the mandal may have been targeted because its president, Prasanna Pandey, did not support Makarand Narvekar in municipal elections.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) MP asked Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti to order an impartial inquiry and take appropriate action.
- Who
- Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, DCP Traffic South Zone Hemraj Rajput, the Balgopal Mitra Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal organisers, and Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti.
- What
- Raut alleged police misconduct, intimidation and harassment at a Ganesh mandal in Colaba and requested an impartial investigation.
- When
- Raut’s letter was dated September 20, 2026; he said he visited the pandal on the preceding Friday, and the report was published on Sunday.
- Where
- Balgopal Mitra Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal, 3 Pasta Lane, Colaba, Mumbai.
- Why
- Raut sought an inquiry into the allegations and suggested the mandal may have faced political targeting.
- Complainant
- Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP
- Police officer named
- DCP Traffic South Zone Hemraj Rajput
- Location
- Balgopal Mitra Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal, 3 Pasta Lane, Colaba
- Festival
- Ganeshotsav
- Police commissioner addressed
- Deven Bharti, Mumbai Police Commissioner
- Alleged evidence
- Raut said a video recording of the incident is available
- Requested action
- An impartial inquiry and appropriate action based on its findings