Mumbai Police Commissioner Datta Padsalgikar orders high-level probe against errant policemen, couples harassed in the past come forward to narrate ordeal; citizens active on social media and legal experts react
A day after mid-day’s sting operation to expose corrupt policemen who were harassing and extorting bribes from young couples, Mumbai police have initiated a high-level probe to investigate the policemen caught on tape. The investigation triggered tremendous outrage among the public, with people saying the police should devote more time to setting its house in order than on punning on social media.
Also read: Cops in Mumbai continue to harass couples on the streets for no reason
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These 4 policemen were caught on camera harassing mid-day reporters as they were chatting in cars in isolated spots
Several youngsters, who have been at the receiving end of police harassment while they were merely chatting with their female friends, came forward to share their ordeal.
On Monday, mid-day had published an investigation where reporters Sagar Rajput, Sailee Dhayalkar and Anju Maskeri — who were posing as couples and were chatting in their cars parked in isolated spots — caught patrolling constables from five police stations on camera taking bribes.
On Monday, the police said they have initiated a high-level probe and recorded the statements of the errant constables. Three officers of the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police rank have been assigned to investigate the matter and submit their report at the earliest. New police commissioner Datta Padsalgikar told this paper that the harshest punishment will be meted out. based on the probe report.
The police added efforts are on to identify the unidentified constable who claimed to be from the BKC police station. The BKC police visited the mid-day office to collect the video clips of the sting operation.
”Anything which is a corrupt practice will not be tolerated,” said Padsalgikar. “I have informed Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Deven Bharti to personally look into the matter. A thorough probe has been ordered into the matter and we will ensure that harshest punishment is given.”
Bharti told mid-day: “A probe has been ordered under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner of Police of respective zones. Statements of the constable have been recorded. A detailed inquiry shall be done. We are interrogating the said constables.”
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