Abdul Sattar (name changed on request), a long-time informer of the Social Service (SS) Branch of the Mumbai police, got a shock when he visited the office a few days ago.
The office wore a deserted look. The branch which was always teeming with policemen looked abandoned. He learnt that a majority of the officers and lower-rung staff had been transferred and the process of appointing a fresh batch is going on. Because of lack of manpower, the branch’s functioning has taken a beating, said sources.
The SS Branch is known to be the most coveted posting for city policemen.
Officers posted in this branch are responsible for ensuring that flesh trade does not thrive in the city. They also deal with offences such as piracy, counterfeiting and all kinds of immoral acts. The branch also keeps a check on the activities of dance bars and silent bars in the city.
At any given time, there are more than 75 policemen posted at the branch. Now, there are only six policemen at the branch and vacancies are yet to be filled.
“I have been coming to the SS branch for more than 15 years and never has it happened that the branch does not have staff,” said Sattar, who had come to the branch to pass on confidential information on video piracy.
“When I reached the SS Branch, I thought it was a public holiday because not a soul could be seen,” he added. “Even on holidays, there used to be a sizeable number of policemen. I got a feeling that the branch had shut down,” Sattar said.
In the last week of July, out of the 75-odd policemen at the branch, 69 were transferred overnight. Although the authorities said the transfers were routine, the overnight transfers raised eyebrows. After the transfers, the branch’s functioning has come to a stand still, a source said.
Joint commissioner of police (administration) SP Yadav said they are taking stock of the vacancies in all units and branches of the city police. “The recruitment date is almost finalised and once the DG office gives the go-ahead, the recruitment process will start. A total of 11,000 police constables will be hired for the Maharashtra police and we will get constables from that recruitment,” Yadav said.
He added that steps were being taken to ensure that there is not much delay in the recruitment process. “This won’t be a lengthy process as applications will be accepted online. Ever since we did away with the interview system, the process has become speedier,” Yadav said.
