Shiv Sena Councillor Sparks Controversy After Demanding Aadhaar from Street Vendors in Navi Mumbai
Viral video shows councillor questioning Bengali-speaking Muslim vendors over citizenship, drawing mixed reactions online
A Shiv Sena councillor in Navi Mumbai has come under scrutiny after a video surfaced showing him questioning street vendors and asking them to produce Aadhaar cards to prove their identity.
The incident reportedly took place on April 21 in the Airoli area. However, it gained widespread attention only after the video began circulating on social media on May 1.
In the footage, the councillor is seen approaching several vendors along a busy street, asking where they are from and insisting they show their Aadhaar cards. He is heard repeatedly questioning Bengali-speaking vendors and suggesting that they could be Bangladeshi nationals.
A police officer accompanying him appears to check the documents presented by the vendors during the interaction.
According to reports, after conducting these checks, the councillor addressed local residents and asked them to inform him if they faced any issues in the area. He then left the spot.
The incident has triggered a debate online. While some have supported strict action against illegal immigration, others have criticized the targeting of Bengali-speaking Muslims, raising concerns about profiling and harassment.
The episode comes months after Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde stated that efforts would be made to identify and act against illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in Mumbai. He had earlier directed authorities to investigate allegedly fraudulent documents and take steps toward deportation where necessary.
So far, there has been no official response from authorities regarding the specific incident in Navi Mumbai.