Man who spat on Manipuri woman in Mumbai gets arrested

Ten days ago, in a condemnable event, a biker allegedly spat on a 25-year-old Manipuri woman in Vakola. Following which, Vakola Police had filed a case against the biker. On Thursday, April 16, officials arrested the 29-year-old for spitting on the woman. The accused has been identified as Amir Khan and is a resident of Kurla.

The incident had come to light on social media after a Delhi-based activist had tweeted about the entire incident. 

This is not done! WE HAVE TO FIGHT #COVID19 OR THIS RACIAL ATTACKS? I request the @MumbaiPolice police to immediately take actions please!
A NE girl from Manipur is the new victim again here in Mumbai. This happened just an hour ago. A biker came &spat on her.#StopRacism pic.twitter.com/sVIHuhR2Gh

— Linda Newmai (@lindanewmai) April 6, 2020

“This is not done! We have to fight #Covid19 or these racial attacks? I request the @MumbaiPolice to immediately take action please! A NE girl from Manipur is the new victim again here in Mumbai. This happened just an hour ago. A biker came & spat on her #stopracism. ” reads Linda Newmai’s tweet.

Shonyo Kabai, the complainant, said that she had stepped out of her home along with her sister to purchase groceries when this biker (Amir Khan) approached her, forcibly took off her mask and spat on her near Kalina signal. She also said that since the outbreak, those hailing from the north-eastern states claim they face discrimination and are not provided with essential goods.

After which, the office of Mumbai Police Commissioner had directed the local police station to register a case under the Epidemic Diseases Act. The police were able to identify the accused with the help of CCTV footage which showed his motorbike's registration number. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 8), Manjunath Singhe, further confirmed that Khan worked as a salesman.

"We have arrested him under IPC section 270 (malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and 352 (Punishment for assault or criminal force otherwise than on grave provocation) of the IPC,"  the DCP said.