The Kandivali police in Mumbai have registered an FIR against self-proclaimed activist Bhavesh Kalia for allegedly harassing and stalking a senior Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officer. The officer, who served as Deputy Municipal Commissioner at the Kandivali BMC office, filed the complaint after allegedly facing persistent harassment from Kalia.
On Saturday, Kalia was summoned by the Kandivali police for questioning under relevant sections of the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita. Authorities are gathering CCTV footage and recording witness statements to corroborate the officer’s allegations before deciding on further action.
Sources indicate that Kalia had previously lodged complaints against civic officials, accusing them of misconduct and irregularities in the BMC’s building and factory department. However, senior officials reportedly found no substance in his claims. In addition, two other BMC officers have also filed harassment and intimidation complaints against him in Kandivali and neighbouring police stations.
This is not the first time Kalia has faced legal action. In 2022, he was booked for insulting the modesty of a woman and making objectionable remarks against a member of his housing society, with charges of criminal intimidation also included in the FIR.
A senior police officer stated that Kalia’s statement has been recorded, and further action will be based on evidence collected, including witness testimonies and CCTV footage.
