Police collecting hafta with impunity in Aurangabad, alleges Leader of Opposition in Maha Legislative Council

Ambadas Danve. Pic/ official Twitter account

Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Council Ambadas Danve has claimed that police are collecting 'hafta' or protection money with impunity in Aurangabad city.

Danve, who belongs to the Shiv Sena (UBT), told mediapersons on Tuesday that he has written a letter to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis (who holds the Home portfolio) in this regard.

"Illegal activities are going on in the city. Illegal collection is being done (by the police) on a large scale. The police commissioner talks about ethics but what is happening on the ground?" he asked.

Police are collecting money from those who run gutka, matka, lottery and mining-related businesses and also from lodges and liquor shops, the Leader of Opposition claimed.

"Illegal (cooking) gas refilling goes on in the city on a large scale, money is also collected from them," Danve alleged.

Some officials make it look like that they are more strict, but that is only for collecting a higher amount, he said, adding that this was rampant in the MIDC area.

The amount of 'hafta' goes up when a new officer takes charge of a police station, Danve said.

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This can not be happening without the knowledge and blessings of top police officials, he further said.

"If action is not taken, I will raise the issue in the legislature," Danve added.

Some persons act as the police's collection agents or mediators, he said, providing names.

In another letter written to Deputy CM Fadnavis, Danve claimed that before violence broke out in the city ahead of Ram Navami last month, clashes were going on between two groups since 7 pm but only "15 policemen were given the task of controlling a mob of nearly 300."

"Where is the CCTV footage where the police can be seen bringing the riot situation under control?" he asked.

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