The BMC’s drive against illegal demolitions in the city may run into rough weather, as the police force is livid over timings of such drives. The civic body’s recent demolition drive in Sion koliwada during the Bharat bandh has
irked the police so much that it has refused to provide protection to such drives without prior intimation.
In a circular issued to the police force, commissioner Arup Patnaik has said that such demolition drives should not be entertained at the cost of law and order situation in the city. The circular states, “Agencies like the BMC, collector, MMRDA etc. carry out demolition/removal of encroachments, for which they seek police protection. During such drives, the possibility of resistance from the affected parties coupled with backing from various NGOs and other political/social organisations, can create serious law and order problems, unless police arrangement is planned well in advance. In view of this, the concerned agency should provide full details of the drive 72 hours in advance to the police. The permission will only be granted after being scrutinised by joint commissioner (law and order).”
Additional municipal commissioner M.M. Adtani said, “The BMC would now have to seek consent from joint CP. We also deploy our security guards during such drives.”
However, a civic official said, “This is going to affect our future demolition drives, as each time we will have to keep corresponding with police officials.”
MLA Ravindra Waikar said that drives against illegal constructions hit roadblocks due to various reasons. Seeking police permission would further slow them down, he said.
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Ministers visit Foeticide-hit beed district
Age correspondent
Mumbai, June 9
State health minister Suresh Shetty and women and child welfare minister Varsha Gaikwad on Saturday visited the Beed district, which has been in the news for the recent spate of female foeticide cases and illegal sex determination by sonography centres. Ms Gaikwad visited a hospital at Parli, and she also inspected the hospital belonging to killer doctor couple Sudam and Saraswati Munde. The hospital has been sealed after a case was registered against the couple.
Ms Gaikwad also held a meeting with revenue officers and medical officers in the district. Mr Shetty visited Ambejogai and also held meetings with health officers and the district administration.
According to sources, the ministers were unable to visit the Beed district earlier, because of the model code of conduct, which was in force because of the legislative Assembly byelection at the Kaij constituency of the district.