Mumbai Police Continue FIR Action Against Protesters Despite CJP Assurance

The Mumbai Police on Monday continued issuing notices and recording statements of individuals named in FIRs related to last week’s protests in Chembur, stating that no official instructions have been received to halt investigations. The police action proceeds despite assurances cited by the Cockroach Janta Party that cases against peaceful demonstrators would be dropped.

Among those served with notices on Monday was 23-year-old Govandi resident Ayan Mirza, who had attended a demonstration at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Garden in Chembur on July 22. Mirza collected his notice from the Deonar police station after officers contacted him to record his statement.

Senior police officers clarified that under existing legal procedures, investigations into political and social protests cannot be stopped midway. Police explained that cases can only be considered for withdrawal after formal chargesheets are filed and reviewed by a scrutiny committee. The state government’s current Government Resolution extending such FIR withdrawals runs until July 31, but officers noted that chargesheets are unlikely to be filed before the deadline, requiring a further extension.

Advocate Vikrant Khare, representing several students alongside Bombay High Court lawyers, requested senior police authorities and the state government to issue interim directions halting proceedings until formal withdrawal orders are passed. CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka also demanded that the government honour its commitment, withdraw all FIRs, and share written understandings on legal cases.

In response to student concerns, representatives from the All India Students Federation, along with NCP (SP) leader Rohit Pawar, met Maharashtra Director General of Police Sadanand Date on Monday. AISF Mumbai president Aamir Kazi said the continued action was causing panic among young people. DGP Date asked the delegation to submit a memorandum to the Mumbai Police Commissioner requesting that no fresh notices be issued while withdrawals are processed.