Pramod Tawde, the police constable who grabbed headlines and invited much criticism after he offered a rose to MNS leader Raj Thackeray the August 21 rally to protest the violence at Azad Maidan, is set to face disciplinary action.
Police constable Pramod Tawade offers a rose to MNS chief Raj Thackeray after the party supporters' march from Girgaum Chowpatty to Azad Maidan in Mumbai, to protest the violence that took place in the Maidan on August 11. PTI Photo
A departmental inquiry into his conduct has indicted him for indiscipline. Deputy commissioner of police (DCP), wireless, BM Yadav, who conducted the inquiry, has submitted a report to the commissioner of police.
“I have submitted the report on the basis of the findings and recommended disciplinary action against Tawde for his conduct,” Yadav told Hindustan Times, adding that the action would be initiated by higher authorities.
During the August 21 MNS-led rally, held to protest the violence at Azad Maidan on August 11, Tawde had offered a yellow rose to Thackeray after the latter’s address. He also shook hands with the MNS chief and saluted him.
Following this, he gave several media interviews alleging injustice against him and inaction by seniors in his department over the same. The police administration conducted a DCP-level inquiry into the incident.
According to sources in the commissioner’s office, Tawde, who is attached to the police wireless division at Byculla, has been found guilty on three counts. Firstly, he was missing from his workplace without notifying or seeking permission of his superiors.
Secondly, he participated in a political process by offering a flower to a political leader on stage, while in uniform — a clear violation of the service rules.
Thirdly, he gave long media bytes in which he spoke against the department, deemed to be an act of indiscipline the a uniformed force, sources added.
However, sources said recommendation for disciplinary action might save Tawde from suspension from duty.
“Higher ups in the department might take a considerate decision and refrain from punitive actions such as suspension. This will be done keeping in mind his record of psychiatric problems and rumoured sentiments among the constabulary following the violence at Azad Maidan on August 11. At best, the administration might stop a few of his increments as part of the recommended disciplinary action,” a source said.