Two Arrested for Allegedly Stalking Tourist in Mumbai

Mumbai police have arrested two men for allegedly stalking a foreign tourist and repeatedly asking for selfies near Dhobi Ghat in Mahalaxmi. The action came after a video of the incident, shared on social media by the tourist, attracted widespread attention online.

According to police, the incident involved Ines Faria, a digital content creator from Portugal who has been travelling across India.

Viral video leads to police action

Faria posted a video on Instagram showing two men following her and her companion. In the clip, the men were reportedly asking for photographs despite being told no several times.

After the video went viral, the Agripada police took note of the incident and registered a suo motu case on February 27.

Authorities booked the suspects under charges related to stalking and using criminal force with intent to outrage a woman’s modesty, police officials said.

Two suspects identified and arrested

The accused were identified as Mansukh Kumar Sharma (22) and Gulshan Kumar Sharma (20).

A police team led by Senior Inspector Sanjay Nale traced the suspects using technical evidence, CCTV footage and local enquiries.

According to investigators, Gulshan Sharma was detained on February 28 after his alleged involvement was confirmed.

Police later found that Mansukh Sharma had travelled to his native village in Bihar. A team subsequently located and arrested him on March 1.

Both suspects were produced before a court and were remanded to police custody until March 4, officials said.

Tourist shares experience online

In her social media post, Faria said the incident occurred on February 22 at around 5 pm near Dhobi Ghat.

She described the men as “super pushy” and claimed they followed her and her companion for about 15 minutes, repeatedly asking for selfies.

Faria also mentioned that this was the first negative experience she had encountered during her travels in India. She added that most of her journey in the country had otherwise been “beautiful, kind and welcoming.”

According to her post, the situation became uncomfortable enough that she had to push the men away to create space.

Police investigation continues

Mumbai police said the case was registered after reviewing the viral video and contacting the tourist for details.

Investigators are continuing further procedures related to the case.

Authorities have also reiterated that complaints involving harassment or stalking are taken seriously and will be investigated under applicable laws.