Traffic cops implement Bombay Police Act to deter encroachers

Sections 102 and 115 of the BP Act empower the traffic police to take action against any person causing obstruction or creating nuisance on the streets.

In February, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar had instructed local authorities concerned to take strict action against encroachers. The PMC had initially removed most of the encroachments on important roads, but later when the drive lost its tempo, most of them returned.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Vishwas Pandhare said, "Using the powers under the BP Act, the concerned person is taken to the nearest police station and a case is registered. That person is then produced in court, after which the honourable court penalises the encroacher."

"We have registered 4,033 such cases. This is a deterrent for encroachers rather than just seizing their items. This drive has also eased traffic," Pandhare added.u00a0