Cops want mandal to pay `65 lakh for security

KHARGHAR: The Kharghar police has demanded Rs65 lakh from Sant Nirankari Mandal for expenses for providing security during the 47th annual Nirankari Sant Samagam organised by it in 2014.

The mandal said it had not received the letter from the police yet and that it does not need police security this year as it has its own volunteers.

The mandal is holding its annual meet for the third year at Kharghar.

In the three-day annual meeting in 2014, more than 250 police officers and personnel had been deployed on bandobast duty.

The Kharghar police has written a letter to the mandal, asking it to pay Rs65,20,600 for the security.

Mandal office-bearer SS Tiwari said that they had not asked for police security.

“We did not ask for security from the Kharghar police. We had only intimated them that the meeting will be held over a period of three days and will have 2 lakh devotees from all over the country,” Tiwari said.

He added, “Our devotee volunteers work day and night for rendering service and ensure that the meet is held in total discipline. Besides, we have not received any letter from Kharghar police, asking about payment.”

Assistant commissioner of police Sheshrao Suryavanshi confirmed that the police have asked for payment.

“We have demanded payment for the security provided. Just as MSEDCL, CIDCO and other agencies are paid by the organisers for using their services and space rented, we too have given our bill for the bandobast service rendered by us,” he said.

Asked about the bandobast to be provided this year considering that the mandal has not paid, he added: “It is our duty to provide security to programmes in our jurisdiction. We will provide it this year too.”

BACHCHAN KUMAR Sant Nirankari Mandal is holding its annual meet at Kharghar.