Despite the tough stance adopted by the BMC against display of lingerie in public areas, the civic officials say that no action can be taken against skimpily clad mannequins inside shops, as the civic law does not have any such provision.
According to the civic officials, action can only be taken against mannequins that are placed in open public spaces. These mannequins are considered to be unauthorised even if they are fully dressed, and can be removed.
“However, we can’t ask shopkeepers to not put mannequins wearing lingerie inside their shops. We don’t have adequate powers to take action against such mannequins,” said a senior civic official.
The civic general body, ruled by Shiv Sena-BJP, has demanded that the BMC frame new guidelines on indecent display of lingerie in public areas.
***
Youth held for ‘raping’ minor
AGE CORRESPODENT
Mumbai, May 29
A 19-year-old youth landed in police net on Wednesday after he allegedly raped a minor girl and got her pregnant. The boy managed to get physical with the girl by claiming that he loved her, but later started avoiding her. The victim had to go through an abortion and is presently hospitalised.
According to the Kasturba Marg police, the accused Sajjan Patole is from Rawalpada in Dahisar (east). Patole studied in the same college at Kandivali as the victim Seema (name changed).
As per Seema’s statement, Patole had promised to marry her and seduced her into a physical relationship. The “rape” took place on October 15 last year in a secluded area of SGNP in Borivali (east).
After Seema fell unconscious on May 26 and was rushed to a hospital, her medical examination confirmed that she was pregnant.
The family then approached the police where a rape case was registered. Patole was immediately arrested and remanded to police custody.