The sudden transfer of Chandrashekar Rokade, deputy municipal commissioner, Zone-III, calls for an explanation from the government. Does the government believe the services of this former police officer are urgently required in the education department where he has been posted? Or is it the Thane city pattern all over again in which an effective officer is relieved of his duties because he is effective?Rokade appears to have taken his job seriously. He was given the responsibility of removing illegal encroachments and went about it with unusual energy. It is said that demolition squads under his direction took action in 500 instances within one fortnight. It is also said that for the first time in two decades, a slumlord has been booked under the Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities Act.
Public doubts ought to be set at rest. Otherwise it will be concluded that Rokade's work harmed the interests of powerful anti-social elements and they have prevailed upon the authorities to get rid of him. Inother words, wrong-doers have got away again. The MPDA law which was designed to halt the illegal activities of slumlords and others should be upheld, not waived at the whims and fancies of the authorities or to favour friends and cronies.
Copyright © 1999 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
Printer-friendly page