Vasant Dhoble lovers stand united, sign on to get him back

Supporters of ACP Vasant Dhoble in Santa Cruz and Vile Parle continued to show their support to him through protests and rallies. Following a massive signature campaign organised by residents and Shiv sainiks in Vile Parle on Monday, another meeting and signature campaign was organised near Parleshwar temple on Tuesday. More than 40,000 signatures have been received.

The protesters also plan to conduct a massive rally from Vile Parle to Santa Cruz on Friday. They have decided to shut shops if quick action isn’t taken.

In the meeting among councillors and residents to discuss their demands, everyone said the decision to transfer him, which was politically driven, has to be withdrawn.

The residents, backed by Sena supporters, have decided to meet the police commissioner and chief minister and demand Dhoble’s reinstation in two or three days.

Vile Parle resident Durga Bhende said, “He brought peace and safety to the area by removing hawkers who had taken over the footpath. We want him back. If need be, we will support a strike in the area.”

Anandini Thakur, chairperson, H(W) Ward Federation covering Bandra, Khar and Santa Cruz, in her letter to the CM and police commissioner, said, “We feel injustice is being done to us as well as ACP Dhoble whose work was well appreciated even when it came to raiding unauthorised pubs and bars. We want justice...”