Mumbai: In a dramatic turn of events on Mumbai’s iconic Bandra-Worli Sea Link, a 26-year-old woman named Nupur Patel found herself at the center of a viral video. The footage captured a heated exchange between the young biker and Mumbai Traffic Police officers after she was intercepted for riding her motorcycle on the sea bridge, where such vehicles are strictly prohibited.
The incident, which unfolded on September 15, has recently gained widespread attention after the video surfaced on the internet. In the footage, Nupur Patel can be seen engaged in a tense verbal standoff with a Mumbai Traffic Police official on the Bandra-Worli sea link, Free Press Journal reported.
Unraveling the incident
Nupur Patel, hailing from Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, was in Mumbai visiting her brother in Pune. Her curiosity led her to embark on a journey to see the breathtaking Worli Sea Link, prompting her to borrow her brother’s motorcycle for the excursion.
The video captures the escalating confrontation as Nupur defied the traffic police’s instructions, adamantly refusing to dismount her bike. She not only ignored their repeated requests but also resorted to verbally abusing the officers.
Ignorance of road rules
Unfamiliar with Mumbai’s road regulations and oblivious to the sea link’s restrictions on two-wheelers, Nupur proceeded to ride past signboards indicating the prohibition of motorcycles. When the police attempted to halt her progress, she evaded their efforts.
The situation took a more ominous turn when Nupur was asked to produce her license and the motorcycle’s documentation. In a startling move, she brandished what appeared to be a pistol-shaped object, warning the officers that she was armed.
Fortunately, the object was later identified as a cigarette lighter, diffusing the immediate threat. Nevertheless, the police took custody of the lighter and impounded the motorcycle. Nupur was then escorted to the police station for further questioning, with her brother duly informed.
Absolutely shameful video. This does not represent women empowerment.
Just came across a shocking video A 26-year-old woman, Nupur Patel from MP was arrested on Sep 15 for joyriding on her motorcycle without a helmet on Bandra-Worli Sea Link.
Things…
— Divya Gandotra Tandon (@divya_gandotra) September 24, 2023
Case filed against Nupur Patel
As a result of her actions, the police have filed a case against Nupur Patel under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 353 (assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from the discharge of duty), 186 (voluntarily obstructing a public servant in the discharge of his public functions), 279 (rash driving), 336 (act endangering life or personal safety of others), as well as sections, including 129 (driving without a helmet) of the Motor Vehicles Act.
This startling incident on the Bandra-Worli Sea Link serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to traffic rules and the consequences of confrontations with law enforcement officers.