Nagpur: Days after a video of a Friendship Day party organiser attempting to intimidate police by invoking the name of Maharashtra Revenue Minister and Nagpur Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule went viral, the key accused, Vedant Chhabria, has released a video message seeking forgiveness from the minister, Nagpur Police Commissioner, and DCP Zone V Niketan Kadam.

In the apology video, Chhabria expressed regret for his conduct during the August 3 “Friends & Beyond” party at Eden Greenz on Kamptee Road. Police had arrived at the venue late that night to stop loud music and address a dispute between guests, when Chhabria was caught on camera telling officers, “I will directly talk to Bawankule,” in an apparent attempt to avoid action.

The viral clip sparked outrage in police and political circles, prompting Minister Bawankule to personally direct strict action. Following his instructions, Old Kamptee police registered a case against Chhabria, along with co-accused Ritesh Chandrashekhar Bhadade and Akash Bhanmali Samal, under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Samhita (BNS) and Maharashtra Police Act. Police said the trio had organised the event in violation of permission conditions and tried to obstruct officers on duty.

Sources said Chhabria, who had initially left for Mumbai, recorded the apology after the case drew public criticism and official attention. Police have clarified that while the apology has been made, legal action will continue in accordance with the law.

The minister’s firm response and the police’s swift action have been welcomed in law enforcement circles, with senior officers stressing that misuse of political influence to evade the law will not be tolerated.