*Mumbai:* A fresh controversy has emerged over the ongoing CJP-led student protests in Mumbai after a viral video allegedly showed a police officer threatening detained students with false drug cases. The video has sparked political debate and renewed scrutiny over the handling of public demonstrations.

Over the past several days, students and citizens have been protesting at locations including Shivaji Park, Chembur and Azad Maidan. During one such protest, several demonstrators were detained, and a video recorded inside a police vehicle later surfaced on social media.

In the viral clip, the uniformed officer is allegedly heard warning students not to return to future demonstrations. The officer is also allegedly heard saying that if they return, he could plant narcotics in their bags and ruin their lives. The authenticity of the statements and the full circumstances surrounding the video are currently under official investigation, and these allegations have not been independently verified.

Following the video's circulation, opposition leaders and civil society groups questioned the conduct of the police. Congress stated that if the video is genuine, it represents an attempt to intimidate students and raises serious concerns about democratic rights and freedom of protest.

Mumbai Police has initiated a departmental inquiry into the incident. Officials confirmed that the officer seen in the video has been removed from his current posting pending the outcome of the investigation. Further action, they said, will depend on the findings of the inquiry.

Meanwhile, some protesters have also alleged that the police used digital tracking methods and contacted participants through phone calls and messaging platforms. Screenshots circulating online claim that certain individuals were instructed to remain at home and continuously share their live location. These claims have not been independently verified, and police have not issued a detailed response regarding those specific allegations.

The incident has reignited debate over policing, civil liberties, and the balance between maintaining law and order and protecting citizens' democratic right to protest. The outcome of the ongoing inquiry is expected to determine the next course of action.