Book 'chaddi-baniyan' rumour-mongers first: Top cop

Reacting to pervasive rumours about a gang of thieves operating in the city’s eastern suburbs, Mumbai police chief Arup Patnaik decided to visit the areas himself.  He was shocked to discover that the police themselves were giving in to the rumours, and employing strange ways of dealing with them. Finally, Patnaik ordered the police to file a case against the rumour mongers.

For the past three weeks, the eastern suburbs have been abuzz with the news of ‘chaddi-baniyan’ thieves on the prowl. With more and more residents giving in to fear, Patnaik decided to take stock of the situation.

“I came across information that these robbers had procured specially made shoes, with springs fitted on their soles that enabled the thieves to jump from the ground floor to the terrace of a building. Our men believed this rumour, and began questioning each and every shoe-shop owner,” said Patnaik.

Sources said when Patnaik learnt about this, he reprimanded the police and give strict orders to file cases against those who were spreading these rumours, which not only got people paranoid but also wasted precious police time. Patnaik was also furious when it was reported in the media that the Bhandup police had used a snorkel to search for a robber on a coconut tree.

Patnaik said this was a disturbing trend in a city like Mumbai, and efforts were being made to ensure this rumour mongering did not spread to other parts.