Mumbai cops to saddle up for crowd control
MUMBAI: You may soon see mounted police tackling crowds at protest marches or festivals in the city as the Mumbai Police commissionerate’s proposal to have a 30-horse contingent has got a nod from the home and finance departments. It is expected to get the cabinet approval soon. The home department expects the contingent to be a part of the force in the next three months.
The police believe the mounted police will be of great help for crowd control and confidence-building. “Their mobility and height advantage will help control crowd where the police personnel can’t reach on foot, especially during protests. It will be helpful in dispersing crowd and will offer better visibility,” said an official from home department.
The proposal comes along the lines of the mounted division of police in cities such as Chennai, Mysore, Kolkata, Moscow and New York.
As per the proposal, a batch of 38 police personnel, from the ranks of sub inspectors, assistant inspectors and head constables from the armed division will be trained.
The Mumbai Police will appoint an agency for the maintenance of the horses and tie up with the state veterinary hospital at Parel for treatment.
The move will cost the Mumbai Police around ₹1.75 crore, including ₹1 crore for the purchase of the 30 horses, which will be housed at the police training centres in
Kole Kalyan, Kalina. Santosh Rastorgi, joint commissioner (Administration), Mumbai, said, “We have submitted the proposal and are awaiting the state’s approval.” However, some officials in the department are apprehensive about the utility of mounted police in a city like Mumbai due to its population density and traffic snarls. An official privy to the project said such teething issues will be addressed in the process.