Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Feb 28: A viral video from Mumbai has led to a police case after a foreign solo traveller alleged that she was followed and repeatedly pressured for a selfie by two young men near the Dhobi Ghat viewing deck at Mahalaxmi railway station on Wednesday, despite clearly refusing.
Mumbai Police have registered a suo motu FIR under Section 78 (stalking) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita based on the viral footage. The accused, who are yet to be identified, are being traced through video evidence, officials said.
In the video, the two men are seen walking behind the traveller and approaching her multiple times, continuing to request a selfie even after she declined. The situation escalated to the point where she is seen pushing one of the men away to create space.
The traveller, who has been touring India for nearly two months, later shared that this was the first time she felt unsafe during her otherwise positive journey across the country.
“This was the first time something like this happened to me in India. And I’ve been here for two months now. Most of my experience has been beautiful, kind and welcoming. But this day was different. They kept following us, asking for photos even after I said ‘no’ multiple times. I didn’t feel comfortable, and they were super pushy. They followed us around for over 15 minutes, and it started to feel really overwhelming. At some point, I had to physically push them away just to create space. Just a reminder that ‘no’ is a full sentence. And your safety and comfort always come first,” she wrote in the caption.
Following the incident, the traveller said Mumbai Police were helpful and supportive in handling the matter.
According to police, an investigation is underway and efforts are being made to identify the two men seen in the footage.
The incident occurred at the Dhobi Ghat viewing deck near Mahalaxmi station on Wednesday. The video has since garnered significant attention on social media.
Police have reiterated that stalking is a punishable offence under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and have urged citizens to report such incidents promptly. Women in Mumbai can seek assistance through emergency helplines 100 and 112, the all-India women’s helpline 181, Mumbai Police women’s helpline 103, and the Mumbai Police WhatsApp helpline 8454999999.