Woman beaten by Indian police for attempting to join VIP queue

A young Indian woman, who was beaten by Mumbai police officers, has alleged she was only attempting to join a VIP queue to see a popular religious idol, when she was set upon.

Video of the incident shows Nandini Goswami arguing with policewomen before they crowd around her and forcibly drag her away.

Multiple officers can be seen repeatedly slapping and punching her across the face in the video.

The footage has since gone viral.

Ms Goswami told NDTV Mumbai that she was targeted for trying to join a VIP queue to see the city’s popular Ganesh idol.

“I was beaten continuously for half an hour and after I was taken to the police station, it continued for one more hour,” she said.

Ms Goswami said the officers had become violent when the crowd started entering through open doors meant for VIP visitors only.

“I got angry and started shouting at the police saying they can’t behave like this. Then the constables lost their temper and started hitting us.

“We could not do anything. My mind went blank.”

Ms Goswami said she was standing in the line with her parents.

The crowd was gathered to visit the shrine, known as “Lalbaughcha Raja”, as part of a 10-day Ganesh festival that ended on Sunday.

Mumbai police said they were investigating the officers involved.