50 cops pulled up for late arrival during Rahul visit

SP serves show-cause notices; policemen say they got just an hour to arrange vehicles, reach spot in Maval

Rahul Gandhi's surprise visit to Maval has once again sparked controversy after more than 50 police officials and officers were served show-cause notices for reporting late on duty. Superintendent of Police Sandip Karnik has sought a reply in 15 days and demanded why a fine of Rs 1,000 should not be slapped against the laggards.



The action has sent policemen in a tizzy, as most of them said they had to arrange f or vehicles on their own, that too at a short notice. They said the action was uncalled for.u00a0

MiD DAY had already reported that Gandhi's visit came as a big surprise not just to the police, but also to the local Congress leaders, who were also informed about the visit at the eleventh hour. Maval Congress Taluk Chief Dilip Dhamale was informed about Gandhi's visit after he was he was already on his way to the city. He had to dash off to Maval to be present when Gandhi reached the spot.

According to sources policemen from Alandi, Shikrapur and Chakan had to arrange for vehicles to reach Maval and the three villages located in the interiors, where Gandhi had gone to meet the bereaved families. They said considering that most had to arrange for their own transport, the delay of two hours could not be termed as late in reporting to the duty.u00a0

Earlier, MiD DAY reported that policemen and local Congress functionaries were not aware about the General Secretary's plans to meet the bereaved families of farmers killed in police firing. As a result, only few policemen, five from Crime Branch and few from the local Vadgaon Maval police station, could reach Sadavali, the first village that Gandhi visited, on time.

The others, who reported late on duty, have been issued memos by Karnik. Those who managed to reach on time, that is, around 9.30 am, said other officials from Alandi, Shikrapur, Chakan managed to reach Maval between 10 to 10.30 am. Sources from the Pune Rural police said they were informed about Gandhi's visit at 8 am, barely an hour before his visit.SP Karnik could not be contacted even after repeated attempts.