Demand for action against Dhoble gains momentum

A DAY after Dr Satyapal Singh replaced Arup Patnaik as the new police commissioner of the city on Thursday, members of the India Youth Congress (IYC) decided to meet Singh and submit citizen's charter demanding action against ACP (Social Service Branch) Vasant Dhoble.

Dhoble has been in the limelight for cracking down on the city's nightlife, which evoked mixed responses from Mumbaikars.

Won't keep quiet: In June, several youngsters took to the streets to protest the high-handedness of ACP Vasant Dhoble at Carter Road. They complained that Dhoble was misusing the archaic laws and creating fear and panic in the minds of partygoers. File pics

Apart from demanding stringent action against Dhoble, the IYC members said they would ensure that a police complaint is registered against Dhoble.

They said the eatery owners whom Dhoble had allegedly harassed had requested police action against the SSB ACP a few months ago.

"We have full faith in commissioner Satyapal Singh and shall meet him with the citizen's charter. We were never in favour of illegal eateries, but why harass genuine partygoers and pub owners. We hope to see a positive change in the near future," IYC member Rahul Kanal said.

Kanal had protested against Dhoble in June at Carter Road in Bandra, which was well supported by the city youth.

"We hope the new commissioner goes slow on the use of archaic laws which were misused by the ex-CP and his men. We hope he goes through all the files of pubs and eateries that were forcefully shut using the archaic laws and let the owners earn their bread and butter peacefully," a pub owner from Bandra said.

Prashant Punj, a partygoer, said, "We want to party, but without fear in our minds. I hope the new CP looks into the issue from all angles and take appropriate action. Not all partygoers are druggies."u00a0