THANE: High drama unfolded at the Kopri Police Station in Thane East late on Sunday night after Shiv Sena’s Shinde faction functionary Siddhesh “Siddhu” Abhange was allegedly assaulted by a group of women during a confrontation over a dispute involving roadside cloth vendors.The incident took place around 11.15pm on Sunday and was reportedly witnessed by police personnel.A video of the altercation, purportedly recorded inside the police station premises, has since surfaced on social media and gone viral.According to reports, the dispute began during the Ganesh festival after Abhange and his family allegedly objected to women selling clothes on the roadside in the Kopri area, claiming that the vendors were causing inconvenience to citizens.The women vendors, however, alleged that Abhange had demanded Rs 500 from each of them to allow them to continue their business. The allegation has not been independently verified.The dispute escalated after the women reached the Kopri police station to raise their grievances.During the confrontation, the women allegedly assaulted Abhange, following which police personnel intervened and separated those involved.A senior police official said legal proceedings are underway and that police are examining the allegations and statements of those involved.The incident has attracted considerable attention after the video of the confrontation spread on social media.Abhange is associated with the Shinde faction’s Yuva Sena and is also known by the nickname “YouTube Bhai”.Further action is expected after police complete their inquiry.
