Won't charge IAC for security, says Mumbai police

The Mumbai police, on Thursday, reiterated that it would not charge India Against Corruption (IAC) any fee for the massive deployment of police personnel, equipment and vehicles at the Bandra-Kurla Complex grounds for Anna Hazare's two-day agitation.

The Mumbai police, on Thursday, reiterated that it would not charge India Against Corruption (IAC) any fee for the massive deployment of police personnel, equipment and vehicles at the Bandra-Kurla Complex grounds for Anna Hazare's two-day agitation.

HT Image

SP Yadav, joint commissioner of police, administration, said the police extended security as a routine law-and-order responsibility. "The question of asking for fees does not arise," he said.

Sources said though the event was organised by a private group (IAC), its motive was not monetary gain or entertainment. "It was a social movement, so the police are duty-bound to make security arrangements," an official said.

Secondly, the security was not for Anna - he already has high-level Z-category protection by the state for which it foots the bill - but for visitors. More than 2,500 constables and 350 officers were deployed even before the agitation began. Security measures included 12 platoons of State Reserve Police Force, 2 platoons of Riot Control Police, 3 platoons of Quick Response Team and 2 bomb detection squad teams.

Following poor turnout, a substantial part of the deployment was withdrawn on the second day, with 500 policemen and 50 to 60 officers manning the venue.