RR patil sets up inquiry against 'bar-raider cop'

BAD publicity continues to hound Assistant Commissioner of Police (Social Service branch) Vasant Dhoble. A month and a half after ACP Dhoble raided Amar Juice Centre at Vile Parle and attacked the workers present with hockey sticks, an inquiry has been initiated by Home Minister RR Patil. On May 4, MiD DAY had reported how 56-year-old ACP Dhoble had thrashed the manager of Amar Juice Centre and threatened his staff with hockey sticks (Bar-raider cop attacks juice centre with hockey stick). Following the attack, Joshi had written a letter to Home Minister RR Patil complaining of Dhoble's high-handedness and had requested for Dhoble's immediate suspension (copy of complaint available with MiD DAY).

In the dock: Home Minister RR Patil has set up an inquiry against ACP Vasant Dhoble (below) for attacking the staff members of Amar Juice Centre at Vile Parle. File pic

Joshi had also sent a copy of the CCTV footage captured to the minister as additional evidence. Acting upon the complaint, RR Patil has finally set up an inquiry and confirming the developments, Tushar Joshi said, "The cops have already called me and my staff members to record our statements. Six workers have recorded their statement and a few more are left. We are very happy that the inquiry has been set up."

According to sources, other hoteliers and members of the service industry also met with RR Patil and Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan seeking justice against Dhoble's high-handedness. Confirming the same, RR Joshi, assistant commissioner of police (Juhu division) said, "The home minister wrote to the commissioner of police to set an inquiry on the same. The CP in turn has asked me to investigate and record the statements of both the parties. We are now recording the statement of the juice centre staff and ACP Dhoble too will be called for the same. We will be seeking legal opinion to ascertain whether a case can be registered. I will be submitting the report to the CP."

Not the first

This is the second incident where Dhoble has been allegedly pulled up for his high-handedness. Other than Joshi, a 64-year-old senior citizen is also seeking to right the wrongs Dhoble allegedly committed against him. Yusuf Gulamnabi Bhure, owner of Mogul Sarai restaurant, Bandra has written to the minority commission (copy of letter with MiD DAY) seeking justice after the ACP hit him on his ear last December, damaging his hearing. u00a0