City gears up to jazz; no reprieve for the men in khaki

No Mumbai cop will be on leave these holidays.

While Mumbaikars party to their hearts content to ring in the New Year’s, the police will make sure nothing untoward happens to mar their celebrations. They will also have to be on hand to tackle a slew of events next month.

“January 1, 2007 is Bakri Eid,” said a senior police official, on condition of anonymity. “We will have to keep an extra vigil now that the BMC elections have been announced, and make sure that state Election Commissioner Nand Lal’s code of conduct is enforced.”

Arup Patnaik, joint commissioner of police (Law and Order), confirmed that all departmental leaves have been suspended. “Our schedule is too hectic this year,” he said. “There is no way out.”

Dillip Patil, senior police inspector with the Oshiwara police station, said that his leave application was rejected recently, and he was feeling resigned about the situation. 

“I’m not interested in grumbling,” he said. “I understand that so many things have happened around the same time.”

Bipin Bihari, additional police commissioner (West), said that he had rejected several leave applications this year.

“We cannot grant leaves at such times,” he said. “It’s sad, but we cannot compromise on duty. Even though my wife’s birthday is on December 31, I will be on duty.”