The woman was breastfeeding her seven-month-old child when the car was towed away.
Highlights
- Woman was breastfeeding her child in rear seat when car was towed
- Flashed prescription saying she was unwell yet traffic cop did not stop
- A probe has been ordered into incident by Mumbai traffic police
A car with a woman sitting in the rear seat was towed by the Mumbai traffic police on Saturday while she was breastfeeding her seven-month-old child. She pleaded the traffic policemen to stop and flashed her medical prescription from the window saying she was unwell but the cop appeared unconcerned and continued speaking on the mobile phone. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the policeman has been suspended and termed the episode "unfortunate".
The woman, who has been identified as Jyoti Male, said that the traffic policeman did not ask her to get down even once.
“The policemen towing the car did not even once ask me to get down, even when I told them that I am breastfeeding my baby they still did not stop,” she told news agency ANI.
A video of the incident, which took place in Malad West on Friday, has gone viral on social media.
"Absolutely insensitive and dangerous to tow the vehicle with lady and the child inside. The cop is suspended and orders have been given to sensitise traffic cops so as to prevent such incidents," Mr Fadnavis told news agency ANI.
Mumbai Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Amitesh Kumar had ordered an urgent investigation by the Deputy Commissioner of Police.
"He has been ordered to visit and conduct an inquiry into the incident immediately. The case will be handled appropriately and sternly after the report is received tomorrow(Sunday)," Mr Kumar said.
Ms Male also claimed that two other vehicles parked there were not picked, but her car was chosen for towing which did not stop even after protests from citizens who warned that something untoward could happen to both the woman and the child.
The policemen believed to be named Shashank Rane, was not wearing his name badge, which is against the rules of the Maharashtra Police.
(With inputs from IANS)