Over 30% posts in investigation wing of Mumbai Police vacant

There is just over two per cent vacancy in the Mumbai Police. But most of it — over 30% — is in the investigation arm of the department, where staff strength matters the most. The information was made available by the force to an application filed under the RTI Act by activist Vihar Durve.

Durve, a Pune-based activist, had sought the information to check if there is any revision in the sanctioned strength of Mumbai Police to make it on par with international standard. As per the information, of the 4,299 posts sanctioned for assistant inspector and sub inspector ranks, 1,237 (30.87%) are vacant.

"There was the 26/11 terror attack and then there was the Shakti Mills rape case. Mumbai is always on terror radar, attacks happen every few years. Terror attacks and crime against women are particularly rising. While they can improve investigation wing strength, my aim was to check if there has been any improvement in the staff strength of Mumbai Police vis à vis population. It continues to remain poor. The strength needs to be on par with international standard," said Durve.

dna tried getting in touch with police commissioner Rakesh Maria but he remained unavailable for comment.