Raksha Bandhan: When cops play big brother

On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, zone 11 of Mumbai police organised an ‘ornament returning’ event for the women, whose robbed ornaments were seized by the police during investigation.

At least 36 women were returned their ornaments, which were stolen or robbed by criminals and later seized by the police during the investigation.

“Handing the ornaments on this day is a mark of respect and pledge that we (police) are there to safeguard our sisters,” said additional commissioner of police (north) RE Pawar.

The event was attended by senior officers from across the zone, social workers, local politicians, NGOs and the general public. Out of eight police stations in the area, the majority of the chains were returned by Borivali police station. The event also had women tying policemen rakhis.

Deputy commissioner of police Mahesh Patil said that chain-snatching incidents have increased in recent times all over Maharashtra. “We are taking all the possible steps to bring the number of thefts down,” he added.

Senior officials said that they are forming ‘eagle brigades’ at every police station by inducting citizens into it. The brigade’s job will be to co-ordinate with the police. “This will surely help in better policing of the area,” said a senior officer.

“I had lost all hope of getting back my mangalsutra, which was snatched by men on a speeding bike a few months ago. It’s a good feeling to get it back and that too on this auspicious day,” said Malti Shah, one of the women who was handed back her ornament.