Cops to give mohalla committees a facelift by next month

In a bid to reach out to communities in a more effective manner, the Mumbai police have decided to give Mumbai's mohalla committees a facelift. The move comes after a clash in Lalbaug incident on January 4.

Mohalla committees were the brain child of former Mumbai police commissioner MN Singh. The committee was formed with the intention to ensure communal harmony and peace within societies.

According to the police, it has come to light that some members of the committees have left the city, while some have expired. "We are also checking whether any members were involved in criminal activities. This check is important as Mohalla committees play a major role in maintaining communal harmony and hence these committees should have the right people in them. We need members who will be able to exercise control over the people. Hence there is a need to reconstitute such committees," said Mumbai police commissioner Rakesh Maria.

"We had a meeting with senior police officers on Monday in this regard to ascertain how this facelift should be done," he added.

As per Maria, there are several factors that would be required for the facelift. "Constitution of the committees, their functioning and verification of those in the committees would be done. The entire process is likely to get done by February 15," he said.