Most Mumbai police stations operating 'illegally': Nitesh Rane

Congress MLA Nitesh Rane on Tuesday alleged that 72 out of total 94 police stations in Mumbai are made to operate "illegally" due to apathy by the state government. 

"I have found that out of total 94 police stations in Mumbai, 72 police stations are working illegally as they do not have proper infrastructure and other amenities. "These police stations do not have proper water, electricity or telephone connections, and police officers posted there have no option but to work," Nitesh, son of Congress leader Narayan Rane, said. He represents Kankavali constituency in Konkan region. 

Alleging structural anomalies, he said some of the police stations are not even recognised by the civic body. "This government has turned a blind eye towards the police welfare and is doing nothing to solve the woes of those jawans (police personnel) who are tasked with the utmost responsibility to protect us," Nitesh alleged. 

When asked about the basis of his claims, the legislator said, "It's not something hidden. You go to any police station and find out the facts yourself." Nitesh said the police personnel are supposed to wear leather shoes even during monsoon. "Why don't you (government) provide and allow them to wear sports shoes that would help them run faster?," he asked. 

He claimed that the police stations lack basic amenities like toilets and women personnel do not have changing rooms. Nitesh said he has written to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis seeking his intervention to resolve the plight of policemen by convening a meeting of senior officials.