Tawde's health issue not a major one, say police

Less than a fortnight ago, the Mumbai police received flak for the manner in which they handled the Azad Maidan violence, but that did not prevent them from posting a police constable undergoing psychiatric treatment at a sensitive protest rally on Tuesday, HT reports

Less than a fortnight ago, the Mumbai police received flak for the manner in which they handled the Azad Maidan violence, but that did not prevent them from posting a police constable undergoing psychiatric treatment at a sensitive protest rally on Tuesday.

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Pramod Tawde, a constable attached to Byculla wireless division, created a stir when he went up the dais in uniform soon after Raj Thackeray's speech and handed him a yellow rose.

As per rules, a policeman on duty is not allowed to get involved in political activity. Following the incident, police commissioner Arup Patnaik said the special branch is investigating the matter to find out whether the incident was stage-managed.

On Wednesday, police officials confirmed that Tawde was undergoing psychiatric treatment as well as that he was posted at Azad Maidan for Thackeray's rally.

When asked why the he was posted at such a sensitive spot, Nisar Tamboli, deputy commissioner of police, said: "It was not a major issue. Several persons in the force face minor health issues. Everyone cannot be asked to sit at home."

Though Tamboli said Tawde's health problem "was not a major issue", the police don't know the nature of his ailment.

Tamboli said he did not have the file with Tawde's medical details. "Once I go through the documents, I will be able to answer you," he said.