'QRT is not Osho ashram's watchman'

Meditation resort criticised for not allowing Quick Response Team on premises

Residents of Koregaon Park, social activists and former police commissioners of the city have condemned Osho International Meditation Resort's (OIMR) decision of not allowing Quick Response Team (QRT) inside its premises. MiD DAY had reported that the team, which had gone to OIMR was not allowed into the premises.

Reacting on this issue, Bhaskarrao Misar former DGP and former police commissioner said, "OIMR is a public charitable trust and every citizen has a right to access it. We experienced the same kind of resistance from OMIR even three decades ago. Considering the current security issues, they should not have done it."

Misar said his efforts to convene a seven-member committee comprising activists, police officers, residents etc.
who would have been allowed access inside OIMR as and when required were unsuccessful.

"The decision to not allow QRT by OIMR is self-defeating. It is a precautionary measure meant for the safety of OIMR and also for those who visit it. They should not have barred the police from entering inside," said Jayant Umranikar former DGP and police commissioner. "However, legally OIMR has a right to say if it does not want to be protected."

President of Koregaon Park Nagrik Kruti Samiti Yogesh Pingale said, "We strongly condemn this attitude of OMIR authorities. They are behaving as if law and enforcement agency officials are their watchmen and nothing else."

However, Police Commissioner of Pune Meeran Chadhha Borwankar said that OIMR co-operates fully with the police force and QRT.