Shiv Sena supports ACP Dhoble's eviction drive against hawkers

Shiv Sena questioned the haste with which the controversial Assistant Commissioner of Police, Vasant Dhoble, was transferred after a hawker died during eviction drive in suburban Santacruz two days ago.

Sena leader Diwakar Raote said that Dhoble's style of functioning could be questionable, but his actions for implementing the rule of law should be supported.

"Since the time he was with the Social Service Branch, Dhoble has come down heavily on anti-social and illegal activities. Even now, he was taking action against hawkers who occupy public space illegally. The hawker died a natural death. Authorities should have waited for the cause of death to be ascertained before taking action against a senior police officer," Raote said.

He alleged that Congress MP Priya Dutt, MLA Kripa Shankar Singh and others pressurised the authorities. "Such instances can prove detrimental because then no action would be taken against illegal activities," Raote said.

A 55-year-old hawker had died of brain hemorrhage during the police drive in Santacruz on Friday night, leading to protests and prompting government to start a CID probe.

Dhoble had earlier found himself in the thick of controversy because of his crack-down on pubs and restaurants in the city which remained open beyond permissible time.