Mumbai: The Sakal Hindu Samaj, Chembur, has approached the Mumbai Police Commissioner demanding the suspension and a fair inquiry against Additional Commissioner of Police (East Region), Dr. Mahesh Patil, over his alleged conduct during Ram Navami processions in the eastern suburbs of Mumbai. Patil did not comment, but sources close to him denied the allegation and said steps were taken to maintain law and order.
According to the complaint, several Ram Navami processions taken out in Kurla, Ghatkopar, and Vikhroli were halted by the police for extended periods, leading to resentment among participants. In Vikhroli West’s Parksite area, a procession organized by Shri Raghav Seva Sangh was reportedly stopped for nearly 45 minutes near a mosque with barricades placed on the route. Similarly, in Ghatkopar West’s Gavdevi Road area, a procession by Shri Ram Seva Sangh was delayed for over 30 minutes.
Kurla Participants Allege Abusive Language and Removal of Sound Systems
In Kurla, participants alleged that police officials used abusive language and even removed sound systems during the procession near Nehru Nagar. Organizers have termed these actions as not merely administrative measures but as serious issues affecting the religious sentiments of thousands of devotees.
Despite pre-approved routes, the prolonged halting of processions has reportedly caused dissatisfaction within the Hindu community. The complaint also alleges that when activists approached ADCP Dr. Mahesh Patil for clarification, his behavior was "unacceptable."
Complaint Attributes Insensitive Statement to Senior Officer
A particularly serious allegation involves a purported statement attributed to Dr. Patil: ‘If namaz is offered six times, Hindus will have to wait six times,’ which complainants argue is insensitive, unbecoming of a senior official, and potentially disturbing to communal harmony.
The organization emphasized that Mumbai is a diverse city where all communities deserve equal respect and fair treatment. They stated that such incidents risk eroding public trust in the impartiality of law enforcement. The group has therefore demanded an immediate and unbiased inquiry and urged that Dr. Patil be suspended or relieved of his duties until the investigation is completed.
Organizers Demand Written Explanation and Clear Guidelines for Religious Events
Additionally, the complainants have sought a written explanation regarding the legal basis, orders, and officials responsible for stopping the processions. They have also called for clear guidelines to ensure transparency and better coordination for religious events in the future.
Meanwhile, further allegations have been made regarding police behavior when members of the Sakal Hindu Samaj visited the office of the Additional Commissioner to submit their memorandum.
The complaint also raises concerns over restrictions imposed under the guise of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Organizers allege that processions were halted during namaz timings, forced into silence within 200–300 meters of mosques, and in some cases, prevented from passing in front of mosques altogether. They further claimed that route changes were imposed irrespective of whether the mosque was authorized or unauthorized, and that police issued threats to organizers at multiple places.
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