Mulund locals go to cops alleging threats by 4G tower contractors
The Mulund police on Sunday registered an FIR against private contractors for allegedly threatening slum-dwellers of demolishing their slums if the locals oppose the erection of 4G towers. The complaint was registered on Sunday following a complaint by BJP MP from Mumbai North East, Kirit Somaiya.
The incident took place between February 22 and 23 on the BMC playground in the Ashok Nagar area of Mulund (W) where the firm had just completed the construction of a mobile tower for its 4G services, according to Somaiya who was present in the police station when the FIR was registered.
“Locals however confronted the official NK Singh and demanded to see government clearances as the tower was encroaching upon open spaces in the city. Singh however refused to show them the permissions. Also, residents pointed out the radiation hazards arising out of telecom towers can cause deadly forms of cancer and other illnesses,” the FIR read.
Locals then approached BJP corporators in the area who brought the issue to Somaiya’s notice. Following the complaint on Sunday, cops registered a case under Section 269 (act to spread infection or disease), 506-2 (criminal intimidation) and 34 (common intention) of the IPC.
“We have registered the case and will be calling all concerned parties to record their statements,” said an officer from Mulund police station. Officials from Reliance didn’t respond to the mail.
The incident took place between February 22 and 23 on the BMC playground in the Ashok Nagar area of Mulund (W) where the firm had just completed the construction of a mobile tower for its 4G services, according to Somaiya who was present in the police station when the FIR was registered.
“Locals however confronted the official NK Singh and demanded to see government clearances as the tower was encroaching upon open spaces in the city. Singh however refused to show them the permissions. Also, residents pointed out the radiation hazards arising out of telecom towers can cause deadly forms of cancer and other illnesses,” the FIR read.
Somaiya said that the previous government had permitted the erection of towers in open spaces in March 2014 but such unabated action will take away the already scarce open spaces in the city, which citizens are vying to preserve. “Singh and his associates however threatened to take away their slums and homes if they continue to oppose the construction of reliance 4G towers,” the FIR further read. BMC officials said that work on the said tower had been underway for three weeks.
Locals then approached BJP corporators in the area who brought the issue to Somaiya’s notice. Following the complaint on Sunday, cops registered a case under Section 269 (act to spread infection or disease), 506-2 (criminal intimidation) and 34 (common intention) of the IPC.
“We have registered the case and will be calling all concerned parties to record their statements,” said an officer from Mulund police station. Officials from Reliance didn’t respond to the mail.
