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The Rediff Interview/ Bombay Police Commissioner M N Singh

'Our action is on and now you are waiting for the final blow'

It is not easy to get an appointment with Bombay Police Commissioner M N Singh these days. Even if the Indian Police Service officer does grant you an interview, a correspondent could wait for three hours before Singh turns up. As Assistant Editor Syed Firdaus Ashraf did on Friday afternoon.

Singh is the man who will decide if and when he will arrest Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray, a question that has kept the city's 13 million residents on edge this past week.

In an exclusive interview with rediff.com, Singh discussed the controversy over Thackeray's likely arrest.

What security measures has the Bombay police taken with regard to the ongoing developments in the Bal Thackeray case?

We are taking all the necessary measures.

Why did you feel the need to call the Rapid Action Force and the Central Reserve Police Force to Bombay?

We need more people. That is all. It is part of the mobilisation of our resources as a preparatory arrangement.

Is the Bombay police incapable of handling the situation on its own?

It does not mean that. Whenever there is a major law and order issue involved, we utilise our resources from all over within the state and at times outside the state. There are many occasions when paramilitary forces have been called. Even the paramilitary forces will work under my command.

Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal has said it is now up to the Bombay police to arrest Mr Thackeray. If that is true, will the Bombay police take action against Mr Thackeray?

These things cannot be announced as to when and how. These matters will be decided at the appropriate time.

Mr Bhujbal also said the city police will take action after completing the legal formalities. What are the legal formalities?

That is at the ministry level.

There is nothing on your side?

No, that is at the ministry level.

In case you decide to arrest Mr Thackeray, what preventive measures are you taking to avoid violence?

This is a hypothetical question. In case I decide. In case I do not decide. Such questions cannot be answered.

Mohalla committees were set up after the Bombay riots of 1992-1993. Has the city police initiated any dialogue between the Hindu and Muslim communities in different mohallas of Bombay?

It is a continuous dialogue. It is not that we talk to them today and forget them for the rest of our lives. That dialogue is always going on.

In the current circumstances, are you doing something more about communication with these committees?

Mohalla committees are more useful in times of normal policing, for day to day events. Their influence can be utilised. That is a continuous process. They are not outside the system.

Shiv Sainiks have criticised the state government for withdrawing the security for some of their leaders. They say these leaders are on the hit-list of gangsters.
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It is not that any particular person is on the hit-list. Shakha pramukhs as a group were given security. Because, in March and April, three shakha pramukhs were killed. So there was a certain fear at that time. There was a feeling that more and more would be targeted. To prevent that, all the shakha pramukhs were given security cover. Now that matter is four months old. It is not a permanent arrangement -- that they would get security protection all their lives. It is not like that.

Ultimately, if they want to keep away from threats, they should also confine themselves within limits. If they expose themselves and indulge in activity which invites hostility from other quarters, then they are as responsible. Then they should make their own arrangements. Why should I take responsibility for protecting people who are violating the law as a matter of routine?

Are you sure the city will be peaceful if Mr Thackeray is arrested?
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That will be my effort.

Can you ensure that?
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Of course, I will.

The Shiv Sena has said if a case has not been prosecuted in seven years, it cannot be revived.
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That is their opinion. That does not seem to be the state government's opinion.

Can a case be reopened after it is closed for seven years?
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The case is not dead. So the question of reviving it does not arise. The case is very much there.

So, what the Sena leaders are saying is not true?
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I don't want to go on countering everything that they say. You wait for my action. That will be a better answer to all the queries.

Is this the most difficult assignment in your career?
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Nahin. I have handled many more difficult assignments than this. This is not the most difficult assignment. I have handled more challenging assignments than this in my 33 years of police service. We keep facing all these bullies every now and then. These gangsters and what not. This is nothing.

The delay in taking a decision has created a fear psychosis in the city. Is there a reason for this delay?
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There is no delay. Our action is on and now you are waiting for the final blow. There is nothing like a final blow. This is, after all, a legal action which has to be set according to legal procedures. Also, we have to keep in mind that all these actions cannot be done in a haste and hurry. You have to assess the pros and cons of the situation, prepare yourself for certain eventualities and complete all the legal formalities in a proper manner. What is the hurry? Tell me.

People say if Mr Thackeray is indeed arrested, that it will occur at night.
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I have not thought about all these things (smiles). I don't know how people are thinking about so many things.

Photographs: Jewella Miranda

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