MNS wants Vasant Dhoble, BMC bats for squad

While the MNS has demanded deputation of ACP Vasant Dhoble into the civic body for removal of hawkers, the BMC has already written to the state asking for an IPS officer and police officials for the task. On Wednesday, MNS corporator Sandeep Deshpande had written to mayor Sunil Prabhu requesting him to depute Dhoble to the BMC.

Following the state government’s approval in October 2012 for setting up special police squads for civic bodies meant for illegal hawker removal and demolition drives, the BMC has now written to the state asking for the deputation of an IPS and other police officers.

“We are waiting for the state’s response,” said Mohan Adtani, additional municipal commissioner.
As per the state’s plan, though the unit will be meant specifically for hawker removal and demolition drives, the officers will be recruited by the police department. The head of the unit will report to the police commissioner as the squad will be part of the police establishment itself, not of the corporation.

Another senior civic official, “Let the police department recruit them, but we want them in BMC on deputation like the municipal commissioner. It will help us in bringing out better results.”
“If we are bearing the financial burden, then we want the squad to report to us,” added the official.