Maharashtra Political Crisis: Prohibitory orders issued in Mumbai and Thane to maintain law & order

Mumbai Police has issued an prohibitory order for restricting movement and unlawful assembly of five or more persons for prevention of breach of peace, disturbance to public tranquillity and danger to human lives and loss of properties and to prevent any kind of riot or affray in the Mumbai city.

"Based on the information received from various sources, it is apprehended that there is likelihood of breach of peace and disturbance of public tranquillity and also there is grave danger to human lives and loss of properties. On that account, it is considered expedient to issue a prohibitory order," states the order issued by deputy commissioner of police (operations) Sanjay Latkar.

"An order under section 37 (Power to prohibit certain acts for prevention of disorder) of the Maharashtra Police Act has been issued. The said order will be in force from June 11 to July 10. It is a regular prohibitory order issued in the city and is extended every 30 days," said DCP Latkar.

A press statement was shared by the Mumbai Police on Saturday, stating that taking into consideration the current political scenario, joint commissioner of police (law and order) Vishwas Nangre-Patil had taken a meeting with all additional police commissioners and deputy police commissioners.

"In the said meeting, the current political scenario was discussed. It has been directed to put adequate bandobast at all the political parties' offices, offices of ministers, members of parliament, members of legislative assembly and corporators and their residences in the city," the statement reads.

"It has been informed to coordinate with politically affiliated persons and get relevant advance information and also deploy required bandobast at the ongoing political programmes and meeting places. The Special Branch has been asked to monitor social media. It has been told to ensure that no political party would break the law or indulge in any violent activity or vandalism," statement read.

The police have been asked to ensure that no objectionable posters or banners are put up.

Thane district collector Rajesh Narvekar has ordered the continuation of section 144 of the CrPC in Thane city. The district collector said that the orders regarding imposition of section 144 has been issued on Friday night but it is a continuation to the earlier order. The Thane police has appealed citizens to avoid any kind of political procession, gathering or sloganeering in the district till June 30.

The police have also appealed to the people that no person should carry sticks, swords, spears, guns, knives, stones or any kind of weapon if they will be found carrying it then strict action will be initiated against them.

The notice issued says that any kind of gathering in the area and raising slogans should be strictly prohibited. Also section 144 has been implemented in the area so that not more than 5 people gather at any one place.

Speaking with the FPJ correspondent Thane district collector Rajesh Narvekar said, " The order issued by me regarding the imposition of section 144 CrPC is in continuation with the earlier order. Until unless the political atmosphere does not change in the coming days then the order will be in imposition."