Stand-up comedian Raunaq Rajani has publicly accused the Mumbai Police of fracturing his wife's rib during their detention at a protest held in Shivaji Park on July 22, 2026. Rajani shared a video on Instagram detailing the alleged assault and the events leading up to it, which occurred during demonstrations against alleged NEET paper leaks and examination irregularities.
Allegations of Excessive Force During Detention
According to Rajani, he and his wife were among several protesters detained by police at Shivaji Park. He stated that officers used "brute force" while rounding up individuals, resulting in him sustaining a neck sprain and his wife experiencing severe rib pain. Initially, the couple did not seek immediate medical attention, believing the injuries were minor in comparison to other reported instances of police brutality during recent nationwide protests.
However, after the pain persisted, Rajani's wife underwent an X-ray, which confirmed a fractured rib. Rajani claims to possess video footage that documents the incident.
The Incident as Described by Rajani
Rajani recounted that the confrontation began when police detained another protester. He and his wife started filming the officers, questioning their actions. He alleged that a plainclothes officer aggressively pinned him to the ground while another officer, identified as wearing a red shirt, forcibly shoved his wife into a police vehicle.
He further claimed that a female police officer present during the incident voiced an objection, saying, "Madam ko nikalo" (Take the madam out), but the man in the red shirt continued to push his wife. Rajani specifically alleged that the rib fracture occurred inside the police bus, stating that the same officer who had pinned him down later kicked his wife in the rib.
Protest Context and Legal Action
The protest in Mumbai was part of broader nationwide demonstrations concerning alleged irregularities in the NEET examination, which ultimately led to the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Rajani criticized the police's actions, stating that the nationwide protests were a response to the government's alleged misuse of police machinery against peaceful demonstrators.
Rajani confirmed that he and his wife have approached the Shivaji Park Police Station to formally register an FIR against the officers involved. They are currently awaiting the presence of senior officers to proceed with their complaint.