Author: Naveeta Singh
Publication: Mumbai Mirror
Date: July 17, 2006
Introduction: Cops miffed as they are yet
to get the promised rewards even as politicians are announcing fresh ones
to nab culprits of the July 11 blasts
Whenever there is a major crime in Mumbai,
the government announces various kinds of rewards to those who catch the culprits.
But it appears these announcements are mere publicity stunts.
Consider the 1993 serial bomb blasts.
On March 12, 1993, serial blasts in Mumbai
killed 257 persons and injured 713 others; property worth Rs 30 crore was
damaged.
The blasts occurred at important sites including
the Bombay Stock Exchange, Air-India building, Hotel Sea Rock, Hotel Juhu
Centaur, Hotel Airport Centaur and busy commercial areas like Zaveri Bazaar,
Century Bazaar and Katha Bazaar.
A special team, under then deputy commissioner
Rakesh Maria, was put together to nab the culprits. A reward of Rs 15 lakh
was reportedly announced to nab the culprits.
Accused and suspects were nabbed and even
the trial was completed in 2003 [judgement is awaited], but the 40-odd members
of the team are yet to see any sign of the reward.
"We were not expecting any reward or
any kind of monetary benefit. It sounds inhuman to ask for money during such
a situation," says a member of the investigating team. "But such
rewards are. a recognition of one's effort and encourages people to do a good
job," he adds.
According to police officials, this is not
an isolated case.
Policemen who investigated the blast in Ghatkopar
on July 28, 2003, and the ones at the Gateway of India and Zaveri Bazaar that
took place on August 25, 2003, are also yet to receive their rewards.
"At the time of the blasts, a one-step
promotion scheme was announced. But that has not materialised," says
a constable who was part of Maria's team. "It has been more than 12 years
and I am yet to get a promotion. What's the use if I become a sub-inspector
when I am about to retire?"
The cops may not be expecting anything extra
to do their job, but denial of promised rewards has certain crucial side-effects.
"It is one of the reasons why there isn't
much enthusiasm to be part of the Anti-Terror Squad (ATS), which is investigating
all blast-related cases. There is lot of work but little appreciation,"
pointed out another cop.
When contacted, state police chief P S Pasricha
said that he would speak on the issue only after the Assembly session is over.
He reticence can be explained by the breach
of privilege notice tabled against Pasricha in the Assembly on Friday by the
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for alleging that politicians were involved in
the July 11 serial blasts.
