A general body meeting of the Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) was allegedly marred by violence on Friday after social activists and journalists were assaulted inside the civic body's headquarters in Bhayandar West, according to a police complaint.
Bhayandar police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) under Sections 189, 190, 351(2), 115(2) and 352 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Further investigation is underway, a police officer said.
The alleged incident took place at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hall during a general body meeting, where activists had been raising concerns about live streaming civic proceedings and the rules governing mobile phone recording inside the hall.
The police complaint was filed by Karan Tanaji Pawar, 25, a karate trainer and social activist from Bhayandar East. He alleged that more than 17 corporators and political workers entered the public gallery and assaulted activists. Two journalists covering the meeting were also allegedly targeted.
According to Pawar, activists have been demanding that MBMC meetings be streamed live online to improve transparency and public accountability. Tensions had reportedly risen following social media posts highlighting civic issues, including poor road conditions and alleged unauthorised constructions.
The complaint also refers to concerns raised by activist Krishna Gupta over the expenditure of the Silver Festival Committee 2026, chaired by corporator Shanu Gohil.
Dispute escalates inside meeting hall
The meeting began at around 11 am on Friday. Pawar, Gupta and other activists were present in the public gallery, along with journalists Jatin Dadhich and Mayur Thakur.
The complaint states that a dispute broke out over mobile phone recording after an activist noticed a corporator filming inside the hall. The activists approached a security officer to clarify the rules on recording.
According to Pawar's statement, the officer said there was no written order prohibiting the practice.
At around 2 pm, the situation allegedly escalated after the Speaker addressed the audience gallery and civic officials asked the activists to leave the hall.
Activists allege assault by corporators
Pawar alleged that corporator Tarun Sharma instigated others to attack the activists and journalists. He claimed that Navin Singh punched him on the arm, while Sharma struck him on the back. Corporator Rupali Modi allegedly threw her footwear at him.
The complaint further alleges that activists Dipesh Sarode and Prateek Surve were assaulted during the scuffle. Sarode's clothes were allegedly torn in the incident.
Journalists allegedly targeted
Journalists attempting to cover the incident were also allegedly attacked.
According to the complaint, when Loksatta journalist Mayur Thakur tried to record the alleged assault, Gohil snatched his mobile phone and smashed it on the floor. Jatin Dadhich of Thane Ki Awaz was allegedly pushed and prevented from reporting the incident.
Pawar and the others subsequently contacted the police emergency helpline 112. Police personnel and MBMC security staff intervened, according to his statement.
Police register FIR; investigation underway
Pawar has named several corporators and a BJP worker in his complaint, alleging assault, intimidation, damage to property and threats.
The allegations against the individuals named in the FIR have not been independently verified. The registration of an FIR does not establish guilt, and those named are entitled to due process.
Further investigation is underway, police said.
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