An activist who has been speaking out against unauthorised hawkers and illegal parking along the inner roads of Vashi, which is causing congestion and traffic snarls, has been publicly named by the authorities as the person complaining against “anti-social elements”. This is extremely concerning as the authorities, instead of taking action against the illegalities, have put her life at risk.

Madhu Shankar, a Vashi-based social activist in her early 40s, had already been facing backlash from the hawkers who had even started targeting her. While she received some local support, the situation has taken a disturbing turn after authorities, including the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) and traffic police named her publicly.