With ACP Vasant Dhoble’s hasty transfer this weekend, many hoteliers and small-scale entrepreneurs are heaving huge sighs of relief. Emboldened by the fact that the notorious cop is no longer lurking in the corner to fall upon them, many have spoken out, complaining that the police department on the whole has been exceptionally lenient towards the man, even though numerous complaints were brought to their notice.

Cops stood guard as agitated hawkers gathered outside V N Desai Hospital at Santacruz, following the death of a hawker during the raid organised by ACP Vasant Dhoble on Friday. Dhoble was transferred over the weekend. Pic/Satyajit Desai