Viral disabled woman video is misleading: CSMC Commissioner

As the video alleging injustice against a physically and mentally challenged woman during an anti-encroachment drive by the Chattrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation (CSMC) went viral, the authority has found that it is misleading, as none of the shops in the encroached land belonged to the woman with disability; instead, she is a destitute person.

CSMC Municipal Commissioner Amol Yedge has reviewed the situation and interacted with the woman. “During the inquiry, we got to know that the woman had no connection with the pot-selling business mentioned in the viral video. In fact, she begs for living. We have assured her of providing all the facilities to rehabilitate her. Her mother and sister also said that her identity is being misused on social media. She lost her husband and is mentally retarded. With no support from family, she used to beg,” said Mr. Yedge to The Hindu.

The woman is identified as Archana Parkhe, who was seen in the video sitting near the broken pots. Ms. Parkhe’s sister has come forward and clarified that her face is misused, saying, “She is mentally challenged and has been making a living by begging. It was wrong that people made her sit there and took a video, making her viral.”

A week ago, the encroachment drive was carried out in the area stretching from Seven Hill to Shahnoormiya Dargah Chowk to raze 170 illegal encroachments by pot sellers occupying footpaths and government land.

CSMC Encroachment Officer Santosh Vahule spoke to her sister and reviewed the situation. He said, “Her sister has clarified their position. The encroachment drive was done due to complaints of commuters, who were facing traffic congestion. The encroachers were given prior notification, and the loudspeaker warnings were also given.”

Commissioner Yedge has instructed officials to include her in the subsistence allowance scheme for disabled citizens. Under the scheme, the woman is expected to receive a monthly allowance of approximately ₹3,500, reducing her need to seek alms on the streets.

CSMC has also initiated the process of filing a police complaint against the individual responsible for uploading and circulating the allegedly misleading video.