Mumbai: Juhu Police on Saturday arrested the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of a digital media company for allegedly intimidating a traffic policeman and attempting to run him over in her high-end car the previous night. The accused, Juhi Mehta, was later released on bail.
The FIR was registered on the basis of a statement given by constable Prashant Hake, attached to the Santacruz traffic division. Hake (36) was on duty at Vile Parle West on Friday. Between 8.15 pm and 8.30 pm, he noticed a crowd gathering at Mahabharti Junction opposite Pratiksha bungalow. Hake went to the location and found that a high-end car (driven by Mehta) and a hatchback had had a collision. Both the vehicles were blocking traffic movement.
According to Hake’s statement, which is part of the FIR, he directed both the motorists to move their cars to one side. But Mehta allegedly did not follow his instructions and tried to leave. Hake stated that he appeared before Mehta’s car and once again asked her to move the vehicle to one side. But Mehta argued with him and threatened to “frame him in a crime against women case.”
Despite noticing the cop standing in front of her car, Mehta started to drive. The cop then motioned at a bystander to shoot a video. The video shows Mehta stepping on the accelerator despite the uniformed cop repeatedly asking her to wait till other police personnel arrive. The bystander filming the goings-on knocked on the car’s window and asked Mehta to halt, but to no avail. Mehta too started to film them.
According to Hake’s statement, he feared being run over and eventually moved away, after which Mehta sped towards JVPD Junction. Hake then made inquiries with the other motorist, Navinkumar Jha, in the hatchback. He said the high-end car had rammed into his vehicle from the rear, damaging its taillight, bumper and boot.
On Saturday, Hake approached the Juhu police station where an FIR was registered under the provisions of BNS for “intimidation,” “act endangering life and personal safety,” and “criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of duty.” Based on the registration number of the car, police traced Mehta and arrested her. She was released on bail the same day. Mehta could not be reached for her comments.
