Mumbai police gears up to ensure city functions smoothly as MNS declares 'rasta roko'

The Mumbai police claims to have taken all possible measures and legal steps to ensure the city functions smoothly and common man doesn't suffer due to statewide 'rasta roko' announced by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) supremo Raj Thackeray for Wednesday. The police was however non-committal whether any action would be taken against Thackeray if the party workers indulge in any violence.

Speaking on MNS 'rasta roko' issue, Joint Commissioner of Police, Administration, Hemant Nagrale, who currently also holds the additional charge of Mumbai police commissioner said, "On Wednesday, MNS has declared a statewide rasta roko. We are anticipating instances of stone pelting and vandalism and to deal with this, legal steps have been taken."

He added, the police is prepared to tackle any situation and any law breakers will be dealt with firmly. The police department has also cancelled leaves of the force so that they can be put on bandobast duty. "This is a big challenge ahead of us to keep the city normal and to ensure the comman man does not have to suffer because of the agitation. And since, the standard 12th examination has also commenced, I would like to appeal to the agitators to ensure that students do not suffer. The police will also ensure that students reach their examination centres safely and there is smooth flow of traffic," Nagrale said.

Asked whether any action would be taken against Raj Thackeray if party workers indulge in any violence, Nagrale said, "Every person has the constitutional right to carry out a peaceful agitation. However, if there is any violation of law, then we will deal with the situation as it develops."