Restaurateur charged for weaponizing masala powder
When Naveen Polapady, who lives above his Koreatown Indian restaurant, Maroli, spotted someone trying to break into a vehicle, he took action—by dousing the thief in chicken masala powder and fending him off with a broomstick. The thief took off on a bicycle, and Polapady called the cops and gave chase in his car. Just another bout of everyday awesomeness from a small businessman, right? Not quite. According to the Toronto Star, Polapady has been charged with assault causing bodily harm, assault with a weapon and administering a noxious substance (yes, that would be the masala powder). Polapady’s story is similar to that of David Chen, the Toronto storeowner charged for hogtying a shoplifter. In fact, Polapady’s lawyer is counting on Chen’s story—and the resulting legislation from the federal Conservatives—to prove that his client was acting in defence of his home and property. For the moment, Polapady has at least proven that masala powder can be pretty effectively weaponized. Read the entire story [Toronto Star] »
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When Naveen Polapady, who lives above his Koreatown Indian restaurant, Maroli, spotted someone trying to break into a vehicle, he took action—by dousing the thief in chicken masala powder and fending him off with a broomstick. The thief took off on a bicycle, and Polapady called the cops and gave chase in his car. Just another bout of everyday awesomeness from a small businessman, right? Not quite. According to the Toronto Star, Polapady has been charged with assault causing bodily harm, assault with a weapon and administering a noxious substance (yes, that would be the masala powder). Polapady’s story is similar to that of David Chen, the Toronto storeowner charged for hogtying a shoplifter. In fact, Polapady’s lawyer is counting on Chen’s story—and the resulting legislation from the federal Conservatives—to prove that his client was acting in defence of his home and property. For the moment, Polapady has at least proven that masala powder can be pretty effectively weaponized. Read the entire story [Toronto Star] »){kind=link}
What’s the matter with Toronto police? They have discretion. They don’t give a ticket to everyone they pull over for speeding or illegal turns. Why would they charge a man like this or the one in Chinatown? I am losing so much repect for our police force.
This is stupid, somebody teach the Police meaning of justice…this is absalutly nonsense.
This is, absolutely, 100% ridiculous. Next stop on my Indian restaurant list is now Maroli and hopefully soon so I can give Naveen some words of support.
This happens all over the city and province. The low-lifes know more about their rights than you do and they exercise them. As it stands now don’t even bother to defend your home because you will be charged. The laws have to change. i.e. if someone was graffiting your brick wall all you can say is “please stop it” while you phone the police to a notify them of a non-urgent matter. If you go after them in a threatening manner you will/can be charged! And in neighbourhoods like Queen East around Sherbourne you literally have no choice but to walk quickly by verbally abusive men and women. – – – Where are our rights, when are we going to get some?
This egregious lack of judgment on the part of the officers who chose to lay the charges in these two cases only serves to reinforce (or perpetuate) the opinions that cops choose their profession because they dig the ‘power trip’ and that brains are optional if you wish to ‘serve and protect.’