State police chief protests by sitting with policemen, not on the stage with dignitaries
Top brass of the Maharashtra Police is miffed with the way the police were given secondary treatment at the Republic Day parade function, held for the first time at Marine Drive, on Sunday. So much so, that, as a mark of protest, Maharashtra police chief, director general of police (DGP) Sanjeev Dayal refused to sit on the VIP podium along with the chief guest and other dignitaries.
According to sources, when Dayal reached the function on Sunday morning, instead of going on the podium, where his seat was reserved next to other VIPs, he went to the police enclosure and sat there. The enclosure was located at a fair distance from the main podium. “Dayal was unhappy with the step-motherly treatment meted out to Maharashtra police and its officers. He protested by not sitting on the stage where his seat was reserved,” said a senior police officer who was present at the parade.
When contacted, Dayal said, “Whatever things I have to discuss on this issue, I will discuss with the government.” Asked if he didn’t sit on the podium at the event as a mark of protest, he refused to comment.
Along with Dayal, the entire police machinery is upset with the way policemen were treated by the organisers. “The police have been the major contributors to organising the event. The least they deserved was proper treatment and seating arrangements at the venue,” said a senior IPS officer.
The parade was organised by the protocol department of Maharashtra government and the army. However, commander Rahul Sinha, chief public relations officer, defence, Mumbai, said, “Armed forces were not involved in organising the parade. We only fielded equipment and personnel. The entire function was organised by state government.”
The Republic Day parade has been mired in controversy ever since the state government decided to change the venue from Shivaji Park to Marine Drive. Mumbai and Maharashtra police had protested the move, citing safety and security issues.
“Shivaji Park is an enclosed area and can be secured properly. Marine Drive is an open area with easy access from the sea as well as other routes. Also, there can be no control over the number of people. It is highly dangerous from the security point of view,” said a senior police officer.
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