Mumbai Police arrest 4 college students for anti-Israel protest amid ongoing conflict

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On Wednesday, the JJ Marg police arrested four college students from Behndi Bazar for participating in a demonstration against Israel in light of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, which has resulted in the loss of hundreds of civilian lives in both countries. The youths affixed Israeli flags outside a McDonald's outlet, walked on them, and demanded freedom for Palestine.

This protest was reportedly triggered by the reports that the food chain provided free meals to Israeli soldiers. Officials confirmed that a video of the demonstration, accompanied by the hashtag #FreePalestine, was circulated on social media and quickly gained traction. "We have arrested them and produced them in court, where they were later granted bail," stated a senior Mumbai police officer.

According to the JJ Marg police, the accused were charged under section 153A of the IPC (Promoting enmity between different groups based on religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and committing acts prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony), along with other relevant sections. An officer emphasized that such demonstrations could escalate into a law and order issue, particularly considering the diverse public perspectives on the Israel-Palestine situation. The officer also mentioned that the use of the Israeli flag for incendiary purposes was prohibited.

Recently, the Mumbai Police held meetings with religious leaders, appealing to them to avoid organising demonstrations that could potentially result in serious law and order challenges.

The police specifically urged the Muslim community to conduct prayers in mosques rather than taking to the streets without prior permission from local authorities.

"All police stations have been placed on high alert to prevent any potential law and order disturbances, given the gravity of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East," the officer added.