Pradeep Purnekar
Mumbai: Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (MSHRC) has directed Thane police to submit a report on action taken on calls made by residents to helpline number ‘Dial 112’ during the Oct 27 protest against the alleged poor investigation into the Sept murder of Shiv Sena (UBT) functionary Pradeep Purnekar that blocked Thane’s Ghodbunder Road for over six hours. MSHRC said police shall ensure that a call to ‘Dial 112’ and a written complaint regarding the issue are promptly attended to and the complainant is informed in writing about action taken on their complaints. It has also asked police to check if permission was obtained for the protest, and explain if any FIR was registered based on the complaints from residents. Thane residents, who moved MSHRC, alleged that the morcha violated their fundamental rights, including the right to sleep, health, dignity, free movement, access to emergency services and a peaceful environment. The local senior police inspector should ensure that the complainant is not harassed or intimidated. MSHRC asked Thane traffic police to, within two days, prepare and implement a traffic management and diversion plan for the stretch, which includes deployment of traffic personnel during any gathering.