Jt CP (Crime) Sadanand Date asks artists to file a written application to the department so that they are paid well in time; department yet to decide on offering protection
More than a month after sunday mid-day first published a report (‘They help nab killers, rapists. But who protects them?’, March 16) on how the sketch artists working for the police force were poorly paid and neglected after a case is solved, the Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sadanand Date — through his officials — asked a couple of artists to file a written application to the department so that they are paid well in time.
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mid-day report on March 16, which highlighted the plights of the sketch artists
Though the department has initiated the process of accepting applications from the artists, seeking fixed remuneration for every sketch they make, it is yet to decide on giving them protection.
“We have taken written applications from a couple of artists. Based on their applications, a fixed remuneration will be decided for every sketch they make. But its implementation will certainly take some time,” Crime Branch inspector Vishnu Bangar said.
Artists pleased
The sketch artists were extremely pleased upon learning that the police department had decided to remunerate them appropriately. “I have been called for giving an application by the Crime Branch, but haven’t been able to do so due to some personal work. This is the best thing that has happened to me and the other artists working for the department,” Mohammad Siddiq, a sketch artist from south Mumbai, said.
Sketch artist Nitin Yadav, who has helped the police in several high profile cases, said, “I have submitted my application at the nearby Crime Branch unit. I had hardly asked any money for the services I provided them, but I am grateful that the department had considered our efforts.”