In a distressing incident that unfolded on March 6th, 2024, at Heera Panna Mall, located in Oshiwara, Mumbai, Amit Arjundas Israni, a man in his mid-80s, became the victim of a vicious assault. The perpetrator, identified as Vasu Chauhan, allegedly attacked Israni following a confrontation over littering and inappropriate behavior within the mall premises. This incident not only highlights the vulnerability of the elderly in public spaces but also raises significant questions about safety measures and accountability.
According to witnesses, the altercation ensued near the ground floor lift area when Israni politely requested Chauhan to refrain from littering and spitting inside the mall building. In response, Chauhan callously retorted with, “Tere baap ka building hai kya?” (Is this your father’s building?). Undeterred by the disrespectful response, Israni reiterated his request, emphasizing the importance of maintaining cleanliness within the premises, particularly since his office was located there.
Tragically, Chauhan’s reaction escalated from verbal abuse to physical violence as he forcefully shoved Israni against a glass wall in the mall’s vicinity. The impact caused the glass to break and shatter, narrowly avoiding a potentially fatal outcome for Israni. His injuries, particularly on the head, are reported to be deep, raising concerns about his well-being.It has come to light that Chauhan was a member of the gym “One Above,” situated within Heera Panna Mall. Shockingly, the gym has been accused of issuing memberships without proper KYC verification, potentially enabling individuals like Chauhan to evade accountability and perpetrate acts of violence within the mall premises.
Amit Arjundas Israni, the victim
In the aftermath of the assault, law enforcement authorities have filed an FIR and are diligently working to apprehend Chauhan. However, their efforts have been impeded by the perpetrator’s elusiveness, as he remains at large. Despite the challenges, the police are committed to bringing Chauhan to justice and ensuring that he faces the consequences of his reprehensible actions.
This disturbing event serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need for enhanced security measures and vigilance within public spaces. The safety and well-being of individuals, particularly the elderly, must be prioritized to prevent such incidents from recurring. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of accountability among businesses, such as gyms, in ensuring that their patrons adhere to the law and uphold the safety of others.
As the investigation into this appalling assault continues, it is imperative that authorities and relevant stakeholders collaborate to implement comprehensive safety protocols and measures that safeguard the rights and dignity of all individuals within public spaces. Only through concerted efforts can we strive towards creating inclusive and secure environments where incidents like these become a relic of the past, and the safety of every individual is assured.
Surjitt Sahani
