Extortionist mask marshals removed; motorists at Santacruz-Kalina junction breathe easy

The usually jam-packed Vakola bridge at Santacruz was pleasantly traffic-free on Monday as none of the marshals were present. Their bullying used to lead to massive traffic jams on the stretch. Pic/Shadab Khan

Hours after mid-day exposed the high-handedness of marshals appointed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on a contractual basis to implement mask-wearing rules, the H/East ward office asked the private agency that hired them to terminate their services. The agency - Tiger Guard's Pvt Ltd - has also received a notice from the civic body asking it to immediately stop providing marshals for the job. The BMC has also sought a report on the matter. Meanwhile, motorists at the Santacruz-Kalina junction breathed easy on Monday, in the absence of all the harassment they had been facing from the marshals. Reacting to mid-day's three-page investigative story, Mayor Kishori Pednekar assured strict crackdown on such illegal activities.

Traffic moved easily on the Santacruz-Kalina junction on Monday. Pic/Shadab Khan

Speaking to mid-day, Pednekar said, "I will investigate the matter and take action against such illegal activities. These marshals will face action if found guilty. Extorting money is a crime. Cases of Omicron are increasing by the day and people should take precautionary measures. We are conducting several awareness programmes, but people too should be responsible and wear masks properly in public places. There is no need for BMC marshals if citizens wear masks and adhere to Covid protocols."

Contractor Sudhir Choudhary of Tiger Guard's Pvt Ltd said, "We received a notice from the BMC on Monday. We have been asked to stop providing marshals for the work immediately. They have also asked us to submit a report regarding the matter. My agency is not at fault and I am ready to take action against those who extorted money from citizens. I called all the marshals whose photos were published in mid-day to my office and asked them whether they extorted money. They told me they haven't. I don't have any evidence to prove they are extortionists. If I get evidence, I will take action against them. None of my marshals are working now."

The presence of a large group of marshals at the busy Santacruz-Kalina junction meant traffic jams on the Western Express Highway throughout the day. However, the story's impact was clearly seen on the traffic situation on Monday. Throughout the day not a single marshal was spotted at the junction.