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Police foil farmers’ march; detain protestors, oppn leaders in Mumbai
Police blocked a planned march by Konkan farmers from Girgaon Chowpatty to Varsha, detaining several leaders and detaining hundreds of protesters. Security actions included sending protesters to Azad Maidan and widespread detentions across South Mumbai, with officer-bearers released later in the day, and traffic disruptions in key areas.
Why It Matters
The episode highlights tensions between farmers' grievances and state responses, raising questions about protest rights, crowd control, and the handling of political leaders during demonstrations.
Timeline
7 Events
Reaction from Raju Shetti after release
May 15, 2026
After release, Shetti criticized the government, stating that Konkan farmers had travelled to Mumbai to raise their concerns but felt the government used force to silence them; he also commented that the police had detained protesters before they reached the protest site.
Traffic disruptions due to security checks
May 15, 2026
Although the situation remained under control, traffic at Nariman Point and along Marine Drive was seriously impacted as check posts slowed motorists.
Officer-bearers released
May 15, 2026
Officer-bearers of the Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana, which had organised the march, along with Raju Shetti and other farmer leaders, were released at 6:00 pm.
Protestors detained and sent to Azad Maidan
May 15, 2026
Police sent over 100 protestors to Azad Maidan, where they held protests, while over 500 protestors were detained at various police stations in South Mumbai until 7:30 pm.
Detention of leaders before the march
May 15, 2026
Around 30 minutes before the march was to start, police detained farmer leader Raju Shetti, Congress state president Harshwardhan Sapkal, and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Vinayak Raut, among others supporting the march.
Heavy police deployment ahead of march
May 15, 2026
Heavy police deployment along Marine Drive, at Girgaon Chowpatty and near Mantralaya was deployed to prevent the protest from spiraling out of control.
Farmers plan to march from Girgaon Chowpatty to Varsha
May 15, 2026
Farmers from Konkan were to march from Girgaon Chowpatty to Varsha, the chief minister’s bungalow, on Friday afternoon.