Hang Heads in Shame

According to officials, some vehicles were purchased by the Mumbai Police under the Nirbhaya Fund for projects. Specifically designed to improve women’s safety and security are being used to provide Y-plus security to MLAs. MPs of the Shiv Sena faction led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The revelation has sparked a debate between Congress and the NCP. Criticizing the Shinde-led government for diverting the vehicles to provide security to the ruling party’s lawmakers.

The Mumbai Police Department purchased 220 Boleros, 35 Ertigas, 313 Pulsar motorcycles, and 200 Activa two-wheelers in June. With a Rs 30 crore corpus from the Nirbhaya fund. “The vehicles were purchased in June and distributed to all 97 police stations. Cyber, traffic, and coastal police units in July,” the official explained.

According to an official quoted by PTI,

The Motor Transport Department of the Mumbai Police requisitioned 47 Boleros. Several police stations followed an order from the VIP Security section of the state police. Stating that they are required for use as escort vehicles for MPs and MLAs. The Shinde faction to provide Y-Plus security cover to them.

After the requirement was met, 17 vehicles used for the legislators’ security were returned to police stations. “However, 30 Boleros have yet to be returned, affecting police patrolling in the jurisdiction of respective police stations,” the official explained.

In response to the revelations, Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant questioned whether the security of ruling MLAs was more important than protecting women from abuse. “It is appalling and outrageous to see the Nirbhaya Fund, which is meant for Maharashtra’s Nirbhayas, being used for the security of MLAs,” he added.

“SUVs purchased with Nirbhaya Fund diverted to provide Y-plus security to Shinde legislators,” said NCP spokesperson Clyde Crasto. The Shinde-Fadnavis government’s abhorrent abuse of power. Legislators from Eknath Shinde must hang their heads in shame.”

Jayant Patil, President of the NCP’s Maharashtra unit, stated that the Nirbhaya Fund was established by the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government to protect women. “It is shocking that vehicles purchased to assist the police in carrying out their duties of protecting women are being used to protect the breakaway MLAs.” On the one hand, the chief minister claims to have the people’s support, but on the other, each breakaway MLA and MP is given Y-plus category security, which includes 5 police officers,” he said in a series of tweets.

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