Sena slams Dhoble, says people entitled to have fun

Breaking from its tradition of opposing western habits and values, the Shiv Sena on Friday ridiculed Vasant Dhoble, assistant commissioner of police for his searches and raids on errant nightclubs, lounges and restaurants. A political party that has thrived on aggression and vandalism, the Sena, in its mouthpiece Saamna, criticised Dhoble, a Maharashtrian, for his “hammer, hockey stick goondaism”.

Breaking from its tradition of opposing western habits and values, the Shiv Sena on Friday ridiculed Vasant Dhoble, assistant commissioner of police for his searches and raids on errant nightclubs, lounges and restaurants. A political party that has thrived on aggression and vandalism, the Sena, in its mouthpiece Saamna, criticised Dhoble, a Maharashtrian, for his “hammer, hockey stick goondaism”.

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The newspaper is considered to reflect the views of Sena chief Bal Thackeray.

Calling Mumbai a global city, the editorial endorses the multicultural environment and argues that people are entitled to fun after a hard day’s work.

“Dhoble and his team are harassing hotel owners and patrons under the guise of moral policing. Geared with a hammer and a hockey stick, the team enters a hotel every night, puts its finger on some violated rule and attacks owners, waiters and even visitors,” the editorial alleged.

Referring to one of the raids where two women attending a birthday party were booked for prostitution and sent for rehabilitation, the Saamna editorial wondered if Dhoble was actually “khaki uniform-clad mafia”.

The editorial warns the police that such action would drive away investment.

“Mumbai has a night life. It is a city that never sleeps. Several people earn their living here. Such moves will drive investment away,” it said.

The party wants the state to amend archaic laws that are allowing for such harassment.

"The times have changed, the society has evolved, so we need to change some rules. We are not against following the law, but if there is a five or 10-minute delay in shutting an establishment, one should not get victimised by Dhoble."