Cops ignore activist’s plea for protection

More than ten days after Hindustan Times first reported how activist Anwar Shaikh had received death threats because of his campaign to get a cemetery for his locality in Tagore Nagar, Vikhroli(E), the local police have still not responded to his request for protection.

More than ten days after Hindustan Times first reported how activist Anwar Shaikh had received death threats because of his campaign to get a cemetery for his locality in Tagore Nagar, Vikhroli(E), the local police have still not responded to his request for protection.

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This, despite a recent high court order, following attacks on activists across the country, which makes it mandatory for the police to provide protection to threatened activists. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone IV) Sanjay Shintre displayed no urgency. “We are scrutinising Shaikh’s application. After the process is over, we’ll take a call on the request for protection,” he said.

When reminded of the fact that it has been more than 20 days since the complaint was first filed, Shintre said, “I can’t guarantee how long the process will take.” When HT had first contacted Shintre on August 10, he'd said, “I’ll have to look into it and according to the merits of the case, decide on the next step to be taken."

Activists are angered by the delay. Said activist Sameer Zaveri, “Activists are being slain in broad daylight. Despite this, if the police don’t take immediate action, as prescribed by the high court, then I wonder who activists should turn to.”

Shaikh is worried about the implications of police inaction. “I do not fear for my life. But law enforcers should ensure that the law of the land is implemented. Otherwise, a common man will think twice the next time he wants to fight for a public cause.”