Mumbai police chief warns his force against moral policing

Mumbai - Don't harass couples, says Mumbai police commissioner Rakesh Maria.

Under fire for aggressively pursuing moral policing, the police force here has been warned by its chief not to harass couples or encroach on the personal independence of citizens.
Reacting to widespread criticism of the force following raids earlier this month along Madh-Marve beach near Malad, a north-western suburb - when more than a dozen couples were picked up from hotel rooms - Rakesh Maria, the police commissioner, has pulled up his force for "improper conduct" at public places. Mumbai police have for years been targeting young couples at beaches, parks and discotheques, admonishing them for 'indecent' behaviour in public places.
In many areas such as Marine Drive, Worli and Bandstand - all sea-facing promenades - policemen are often seen instructing couples not to hold hands and sit close to each other.
The worst instances of moral policing occurs when the cops raid lodges and small hotels and round up couples, accusing them of 'vulgar' behaviour. While some of the women are accused of being prostitutes, others are humiliated in public. The police also detain them illegally for hours at a stretch till late at night, but do not press any charges.
In the August 6 raid at Malad, more than 60 people were booked for behaving indecently in a public place and fined Rs1,200 each. Policemen knocked on hotel rooms and pulled out couples, while the hotel owners were accused of promoting prostitution.
The subsequent furore saw the police top brass initiate action against officials of the local police station, who were apparently raiding the establishments to harass the hoteliers. Some unscrupulous policemen demand 'protection' money from hotels and lodges.
In his letter sent to police stations across Mumbai, Maria noted that policemen were found entering closed hotel rooms and flats and taking action against couples. They were also found harassing couples at malls, beaches, gardens and hotels.
According to him, the police have no right to interfere in the personal choices of citizens and officers and men should not comment on the way people dress.
He also reminded the force that an earlier order by the joint commissioner of police (law and order) had mentioned that a senior officer's permission has to be taken before initiating action under the Prevention of Immoral Trafficking Act.
nithin@khaleejtimes.com

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