MUMBAI: A digital media company’s chief operating officer (COO), Juhi Mehta, allegedly threatened to frame a traffic constable in a case involving a crime against women and then drove her BMW towards him after he asked her to move the car following a collision in Vile Parle West on Friday evening.Juhu police arrested her on Saturday, and she was released on bail later that day.According to the FIR, constable Prashant Hake, 36, attached to the Santacruz traffic division, was on duty at Mahabharti Junction, opposite Pratiksha bungalow, when he noticed a crowd gathering between 8.15pm and 8.30pm. On reaching the spot, he found that a BMW driven by Mehta and a hatchback had collided, leaving both vehicles obstructing traffic.Hake asked the two motorists to move their vehicles to one side to clear the road. However, according to his statement, Mehta allegedly refused to comply and attempted to leave the spot.When Hake stood in front of her BMW and repeated his instructions, Mehta allegedly argued with him and threatened to frame him in a case involving a crime against women.
Video captures confrontation
According to Hake’s statement, Mehta began driving despite seeing him standing in front of the car. The constable then signalled to a bystander to record the incident.The video shows the uniformed policeman repeatedly asking Mehta to wait until other police personnel arrived, while she presses the accelerator. The bystander recording the incident also knocked on the car’s window and asked her to stop, but she allegedly continued driving. Mehta also began filming the confrontation.Hake told police that he feared being run over and eventually moved out of the car’s path. Mehta then allegedly sped away towards JVPD Junction.
Hatchback driver alleges rear-end collision
After Mehta left, Hake spoke to the other motorist, Navinkumar Jha, who was driving the hatchback. Jha told the constable that the BMW had rammed into his vehicle from behind, damaging its taillight, bumper and boot.Hake subsequently approached Juhu police station on Saturday and lodged a complaint. Police registered an FIR under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) relating to intimidation, acts endangering life or personal safety, and the use of criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging his duty.Police traced Mehta using the BMW’s registration number and arrested her on Saturday. She was released on bail later that day.Mehta could not be reached for comment.
