ABI report shocks law student into seeking CM’s crackdown on DCPs, khaki extortion machinery in Ulhasnagar

Bhagyashree Phodkar

A LAW student from Ulhasnagar has complained to the Chief Minister, besides several other authorities, and demanded immediate suspension of two deputy commissioners of police (DCPs) and havaldars. The student also complained to the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), seeking an audit of the assets of the DCPs and the havaldars, one of whom, Ramdas Misal, is a partner in three orchestra bars and another, Shyam Patil, has deposited Rs 50 lakh for rights to collect hafta.

On June 18, 2016, Jayesh Motwani complained in writing to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Director General of Police (DGP) Pravin Dixit, Director General (DG) of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Satish Mathur and Thane Commissioner of Police (CP) Param Bir Singh. Motwani is a law student and resident of Ulhasnagar-3. A copy of the complaint is available with ABI (abinet.org).

On June 17, 2016, ABI (Akela Bureau of Investigation) published an article under the headline ‘Ulhasnagar DCP calls for tenders to collect hafta, Thane constable submits winning bid‘. According to reports, recently appointed DCP Sunil Bhardwaj is the talk of Ulhasnagar for adopting a novel method to collect the monthly hafta, a system never seen before in the history of the state police department. Bhardwaj allegedly called for tenders for monthly hafta collection. Constable Shyam Patil from Thane emerged victorious in the bidding and deposited Rs 50 lakh in cash before diligently settling down to his new job. On instruction of Bhardwaj Shyam Patil forced to orchestra owner to pay four times more than previous DCP Vasant Jadhav was collecting.

“I am really shocked. I wanted authorities to take note of my complaint against the officials and immediately suspend them,” said Motwani.

Motwani has given reference of ABI news.

According to complaint, Motwani was much shocked to read the ABI article. He immediate wrote a letter to the authorities concerned.

“This is very serious concern that raises eyebrow on police department as law enforcing agencies are worst affected with corruption and the corruption has reached up to deputy commissioner of police. This case must be investigated by independent investigation agency as it has powerful persons of the level of DCP that the investigation can be easily tampered with,” Motwani said.

Motwani has also requested for suspension of Sunil Bhardwaj alias Lohar, Vasant Jadhav, Ramdas Misal and Shyam Patil immediately so as to maintain the integrity of the police and also maintain and restore the faith of the people in the police. Motwani also sought initiation of a high-level inquiry against the officers for their alleged acts of corruption, extortion and such.

Motwani also demanded audit of assets of the accused officers and the making public of the reports of the audit without delay. Motwani also said that in case of non-redressal of his complaint, he would be left with no option but to approach the Honourable Bombay High Court for redressal of his grievances.

“I want the system to ‘listen’ to me. Otherwise, I will surely file a suit demanding CID inquiry against the officers,” said Motwani.