Workers of the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) allegedly vandalised the Chembur office of builder Sushil Raheja after he was accused of abusing and assaulting a Marathi employee using casteist remarks. Videos circulating on social media showed party workers entering the office premises and damaging property with sticks, triggering a political storm. The protest followed allegations that no strict action was taken against Raheja despite a case being registered at the Govandi police station. The incident has drawn attention to alleged caste-based discrimination at workplaces and the police response to complaints involving influential individuals.
According to the police complaint, the incident took place at Raheja’s office on Dr C G Gidwani Road, Chembur, during routine office work. The complainant, identified as Rahul Jadhav, alleged that he was verbally abused, assaulted and humiliated in full public view after making a minor error while stapling documents during a meeting. He claimed the accused used casteist slurs such as “tum Jai Bhim wale gande log” and “tum ghati log sudhroge nahi,” and intimidated him. Based on the complaint, police registered a case under Section 115 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and relevant sections of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
The VBA in the official press release alleged selective police action, claiming that while Raheja remains free despite facing serious atrocity charges, party leaders protesting the incident were illegally arrested. The VBA said Mumbai Police detained women’s wing president Snehal Soni, youth wing president Sagar Gavai and others in the vandalism case without issuing mandatory notices, violating Supreme Court guidelines. When produced before the Bhoiwada court, the court reportedly termed the arrests illegal and ordered their release. The party accused Mumbai Police of acting under pressure from the builder and political forces, and filing false cases to suppress dissent.
The release further added Sushil Raheja allegedly assaulted Rahul Jadhav, who was working for him, inside the office while hurling casteist abuses such as, “You filthy Jai Bhim people, you ghati people, you will never improve.” Despite an atrocity case being registered against Raheja, the police have not arrested him so far.
Last night, the police arrested Vanchit Bahujan Mahila Aghadi Mumbai state president Snehal Sohani, Yuva Aghadi Mumbai president Sagar Gavai, and others in connection with an alleged vandalism incident at Raheja’s office. When they were produced before the Bhoiwada court today, the court strongly reprimanded the Mumbai Police, calling the arrests illegal, and ordered the release of all Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi workers.
The Supreme Court has observed that in offences punishable with less than seven years of imprisonment, it is mandatory to issue a notice to the accused. The law also states that if the accused cooperates with the investigation, arrest is not necessary. However, the Mumbai Police arrested the activists without issuing any notice.
The Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi has alleged that the Mumbai Police registered false cases under pressure from builder Raheja and political parties.