‘He grabbed my right hand and twisted it’: ‘In the Month of July’ actress Shamim Akbar Alli accuses autorickshaw driver of assaulting her in front of her 5-year-old daughter

Trigger warning: This article includes references to assault.Actress Shamim Akbar Alli, 32, known for her role in the 2021 film ‘In the Month of July’, has alleged that she was assaulted by an autorickshaw driver in Mira Road. The incident reportedly took place on Saturday afternoon, 1 November, when the accused allegedly twisted her hand in front of her five-year-old daughter near her school.

Actress recalls heated exchange with driver

Shamim claims that the autorickshaw driver appeared irritated when she asked him to stop near her daughter’s school around 2:45 pm. She told Mid-Day, “The driver got frustrated and started abusing me, asking why I had stopped the rickshaw there. He demanded I pay the fare immediately because he was in a hurry. I quickly picked up my daughter and got back into the same rickshaw, asking him to drop us home.”

Incident reportedly escalates near society gate

The actress further alleges that the situation worsened once they reached the gate of her residential society.

Her daughter had asked for a short ride towards the Fountain area, but Shamim said she told her they would take another autorickshaw for that.However, before she could exit the vehicle, the driver allegedly turned aggressive. “He turned around, grabbed my right hand, and twisted it while I was still inside the rickshaw with my daughter,” she said.

Police register complaint and begin inquiry

Following the incident, Shamim lodged a formal complaint at the Kashimira police station.

Her statement has been recorded, and officers have noted the registration number of the autorickshaw involved. A police officer from Kashimira police station confirmed that the case is under investigation. The officer said, “An inquiry has been initiated, and efforts are underway to trace the accused driver.”The police are continuing their investigation into the alleged assault.DISCLAIMER: If you or someone you know is experiencing assault, or abuse, please seek immediate help. Reach out to a mental health specialist, NGO, or trusted individual. Several helplines are available to offer assistance.