rakesh maria – The Metrognome

Stop power thefts: Mumbaikars write to police chief

Residents from the F-North ward have written to Police Commissioner Rakesh Maria exhorting him to stop power thefts during festivals.

by The Editors | editor@themetrognome.in

Irked by frequent instances of power thefts from public utilities, a group of residents from F-North ward have dashed off a letter to Mumbai Police chief Rakesh Maria. The letter appreciates his latest order to Ganpati mandals not to steal power from light poles or other public utilities, and entreats him to be as strict with other instances of theft also.

In the letter, written by Sion-based activist GR Vora on behalf of F-North ward residents, the group has asked Maria to issue instructions that proper vigil be maintained even during celebrations like Eid, Navratri and other festivals, to ensure that power is not stolen. Additionally, the letter exhorts the police to nab hawkers taking power from residential housing societies for their illegal stalls or businesses. Interestingly, these residents have asked for a dedicated helpline that citizens can use to report power thefts.

The letter is reproduced below:

‘Dated: 23.8.2014

To,

Police Commissioner (Mr Rakesh Maria),

Police Commissioner’s Office, L T Marg,

Mumbai – 400002

Sub. :– Electricity thefts from public utilities (street-light poles, residential buildings etc) by organisers of functions on our roads, footpaths and other open spaces.

Ref. :–

Police Commissioner’s meeting with BEST officials in response to the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Mr Ketan Tirodkar against power thefts by Ganesh Utsav Mandals.
TOI newsitem dated 23.8.2014, on page 11, titled “Mandals told to refrain from stealing power for Ganapati” (copy enclosed)

Dear Sir,

This is to compliment you for warning Ganesh Utsav Mandals against stealing electricity from public amenities (street-light poles etc) during Ganesh Utsav celebrations.

But we wish to bring to your notice that during other celebrations too, such as Shivaji Jayanti, Ramzan Id, Navratri etc. and festivals of several other religious groups, electricity is stolen from our street-light poles and from residential buildings for lighting their pandals and other light decorations. Also, unauthorised hawkers steal electricity from our light poles or illegally take power-extensions from domestic users (like homes, housing societies etc) and steal it for lighting their stalls/bakadas. Please note that usage of power from domestic CHS sources too should not be permitted as it is used for commercial purpose.

So we urge you and all other members of the Vigilance Cell (i.e. Police Commissioner, Chief Security Officer (BEST), Chief Vigilance Officer of BEST – Electrical and the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) ) to kindly keep vigil on all such violators and take immediate stringent penal action against them as it is a burden upon all other citizens who have to pay frequent increase in tariffs for power usage.

Sir, it would be highly worthwhile if a telephone helpline is initiated for citizens to report such power thefts directly to the Vigilance Cell, so that prompt action can be taken against the people who steal power.

We would appreciate if you could inform us of the action taken on our complaint and suggestions.

Thanking you.

Sd/- GR Vora

For all members of F-North ward Citizens Federation.’

What do you think of the power theft issue in Mumbai? Tell us your views in the comments section below.

(Image used for representational purpose only)

At last, State to reward police who investigated 26/11 attacks

Five years after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, State Government clears proposal to reward investigating police team for their efforts.

by the Editors | editor@themetrognome.in

It’s almost like a belated Christmas spirit has taken over the highest offices in Mantralaya. While the Government made the news yesterday for awarding Rs 1 crore each to three women kabaddi players who clinched the World Cup for the country last year, the State has also passed a Government Resolution (GR) to reward a contingent of 46 police officers, mid-level officials and constables, who investigated the horrific 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai.

In a GR issued on March 25, 2013 by the Home Department, it is learnt that the Government is setting aside Rs 6,58,000 to be awarded in lieu of cash rewards to 43 of the 46 police personnel investigating the 26/11 attacks. Three officers – Rakesh Maria, Deven Bharati and Ashok Durafe – are to received commendatory letters, the GR said.

It may be remembered that after the terror attacks on November 26, 2008, in which timely and courageous police action helped nab a terrorist alive – probably a first in a terror operation of this kind anywhere in the world – and helped conclusively prove Pakistan’s hand in the strikes, a police crack team got to work to investigate the case. Headed by Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Rakesh Maria, and supported by Additional CP (Crime) Deven Bharati and ACP Ashok Durafe, the team probed the attacks and prepared a mammoth 11, 750-page chargesheet in three months after the attacks. Thereafter, a 1,500-page supplementary chargesheet was filed.

A few months after the attacks, the State Government had announced that it was mulling a cash prize for the police personnel investigating the case. However, the final amount and how much each of the 43 officials will receive, has been decided only now.

Of the awardees, the highest cash prize goes to Ramesh Mahale, the chief investigating officer who was in the Crime Branch (and who has resigned from his post a few months ago) – he gets Rs 1,00,000. Five others get Rs 25,000 each, while constables get Rs 5,000 to Rs 7,000.

About the case:

– The reward comes in recognition of successful investigation into the attacks, and the capture of a live terrorist, Ajmal Amir Kasab.

– The attacks took place over a period of 62 hours, and resulted in the death of 170 people.

– The trial in the case started on May 8, 2009. The State examined 649 witnesses during the trial.

– Kasab was held guilty on 31 counts, and awarded the death penalty on five counts.

– Kasab filed an appeal against the lower court’s verdict in the Bombay HC, which upheld his death sentence on February 21, 2011.

– Kasab was hanged to death at Pune’s Yerawada Jail on November 21, 2012.

(Picture courtesy outlook.com)