Mum cops to gear up drive against errant couples: Dy Comm

Mumbai, Apr 3 (UNI) In a major attempt to enforce good behaviour among couples and young lovers in parks and other public places, Mumbai police have begun slapping a hefty fine of Rs 1,200 on couples caught too close for comfort.

This was confirmed to UNI by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Sanjay Mohite (Enforcement) here today, after 10 couples were fined for indecent behaviour. ''The city police will take unbaised action against any couple caught in a compromising position in and around public places,'' he said.

Earlier, 10 couples, who were booked under Sections 110 and 117 of the Bombay Police Act (BPA) for indecent behaviour, were released after they furnished the bail amount.

Incidently, Mumbai like any other metros boasts of parks and has a long shore, which are regularly frequented by fun thrilled couples of all ages to steal some private moments from the prying eyes of family members and known faces.

Ironically, a few years back, the Shiv Sena, known for its tirade against western culture and concepts, in a drive of moral policing had put up placards warning couples of indecent behaviour at public places.

Reacting to this sudden moral policing by the police, ''The Mumbai Lovers Association'' an infamous Non-Government Organisation (NGO) has issued a statement demanding a separate park for lovers.

''Mumbai has small crowded homes and visiting hotels were also risky,'' Muzzafar Hussein Qureshi, a lover who regularly visited public places said.

Hussein pinpointed that earlier, Irani hotels in the city had small cabins exclusively for families, but mainly used by couples.

Again, this facility was also snatched due to the constant raids carried out by the law enforcment agencies.

Noted criminal lawyer and political spokesperson of the NCP, Majeed Memon reacted that police can only fine the couples, but it is difficult to prove in a court of law.

He said in most of the cases, couples either plead guilty or even didn't bother to attend the court proceedings to contest the matter. It is sometimes shameful for the arrested couples to contest the matter fearing public attention.

According to police sources, only the regional heads of the city police can direct such a drive. From 2002 to 2004, around 70 couples were arrested by the police during similar drives. While this year the count has already reached to 22 couples.

UNI