Mumbai: A 53-year-old woman and her 55-year-old husband were abused in filthy language and harassed at Mahalaxmi Race Course by a 65-year-old senior citizen and four other joggers. The accused were enraged alleging the couple were walking with their two pet dogs in the middle of the track. The incident occurred on August 10 at 6:30 pm.
Anuradha and Arun Prakash Yusuf (53) were walking along the Race Course along with her two pet canines when the 65-year-old accused along with his four friends objected to the canines occupying their walking space. A video was shot on the cellphone which Anuradha has uploaded on social media, Facebook with the friends of the couple expressing shock at the manner in which the Yusufs were treated. A fight ensued between Anuradha, Arun and the five accused. As per the cross allegations, both, the accused and the victim abused each other using filthy language. After the incident, Anuradha and Arun left the Race Course and on her way out, Anuradha clicked photographs and shot videos of the accused. If this harassment was not enough, the accused followed them in a car to their residence at Jahaz Mahal on Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marg, Worli.
The accused in their statement said, they were enraged that the lady took their photographs and hence decided to confront her. The security guards at the residence of Yusufs stopped them from entering the building premises. Anuradha then went to register an FIR. On August 11, she went back to the Turf Club to find out from the other regular joggers the names of the accused. According to Anuradha’s statement to the police, the accused abused them in filthy language. According to Sanjay Surve, Senior Police Inspector, Tardeo police station the senior citizen in turn made complaints against the Yusufs.
“We had called the senior citizen first to the police station for questioning. They have alleged that Anuradha and her husband that an altercation broke out between the two parties since they objected the presence of their pets. The accused had stated, the lady and her husband too abused the five men in filthy language. The identity of the remaining four accused is yet to be ascertained. A cross FIR has not been registered so far.” “I cannot reveal the names of the accused since it is a sensitive issue and allegations have been levelled against a senior citizen. We are verifying the claims of the accused and the victim through CCTV footage, “added Surve.
The accused have been booked for assault or criminal force with intent to outrage the modesty of a woman (Section 354),intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace (Section 504), word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman (Section 509) and common intention (Section 34) of the Indian Penal Code.
Speaking to The Free Press Journal, Khushroo Dhunjibhoy, the Chairman of Royal Western India Turf Club said there are no rules preventing pets to be brought at the Turf Club. “I do not have any knowledge about the incident. I shall verify the matter. As far as pets are concerned, they are allowed at the Race Course.”