Mumbai: No new leave for city’s constables in precautionary move

Mumbai police personnel during the drill at CSMT station on Wednesday. Pic/Kirti Surve Parade

Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the Mumbai police are preparing to handle any potential emergency by ensuring all critical systems are operational. As a precautionary measure, they have suspended new leave approvals for constabulary personnel until the situation normalises.

While previously approved leaves have not been cancelled, those currently on leave may be recalled if the situation deteriorates further. "These steps have been taken as a precaution to ensure law and order in the city and to be prepared for any untoward incident," a Mumbai police officer stated.

Mumbai police currently has a strength of over 50,000 personnel, with approximately 38,000 in the constabulary ranks and the remainder serving as officers. According to sources, instructions have been issued to ensure that no new leaves are granted, and senior officers have been directed to stay within their respective zones to closely monitor the situation.

The Special Branch of the city police is also keeping a vigilant eye on social media to prevent the spread of rumours. Authorities are actively identifying and taking down accounts spreading misinformation, and cases are being registered where necessary.

According to sources, Mumbai has around 60 siren systems that were installed after the 1971 war. Of these, only 39 were functional until recently. However, the city police, in coordination with the Civil Defence unit of the Maharashtra Police, have now restored all sirens to working condition. These can be used during emergencies.