Mumbai Crime: 31-Year-Old Hawker Arrested For Assaulting Police Officers During Anti-Hawking Drive On Powai’s JVLR Road; 3 Others Absconding

Mumbai: The Powai police have arrested a hawker for allegedly attacking a police officer and two constables during an anti-hawking drive at the bicycle track on JVLR Road, Powai, on May 20.

Sub-inspector Rakesh Shankar Nalawade, along with constables Dhyandev Vagere and Vijay Ghadge, was part of a team acting against illegal hawkers near MHADA Colony, Milindnagar.

During the operation, hawker Kishalkumar Kataria, 31, allegedly abused constable Ghadge and struck him on the leg with a wooden stick. He also incited other hawkers to resist the police.

Three others joined in, assaulting constable Ghadge with sticks. When SI Nalawade and constable Vagere tried to intervene, they too were attacked. One of the hawkers attempted to strike constable Vagere on the head with an iron rod but hit his hand instead, causing serious injury.

The violent clash prompted additional police deployment. Kishalkumar was arrested the same day, while the other three accused fled and remain absconding.

Based on SI Nalawade’s complaint, a case was registered under sections including attempt to murder, assault on public servants, and obstruction of duty.

SI Nalawade sustained back injuries, constable Ghadge injured his left leg, and constable Vagere suffered wounds to his head and hand. All three received treatment at Paramount and Trauma Care Hospitals.