MCA owes 13.4 crore to Mumbai police since 5 years: RTI
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The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) is yet to pay over Rs 13 crore to Mumbai police in lieu of the security and bandobast for at least 17 matches, an RTI has revealed.
RTI Activist Anil Galgali had sought information from the Mumbai Police about details of security provided during matches to MCA and its charges from last 10 years.
The Public Information Officer and Assistant Police Commissioner (Coordination) Tanaji Surulkar provided the information compiled by the Bandobast Division.
Per the data, Mumbai police provided security cover for a total of 17 matches, including ICC T-20 World Cups, Women’s World Cup, Test Match, Practice Match and One-Day Match.
The department was to receive a total of Rs 13.42 crore for the arrangements, but is yet to receive it from the MCA. Moreover, the dues of Rs 13.42 crores have been pending since past 62 months and no interest has been charged against it.
Back in 2011, the MCA had paid Rs 2.6 crore to the police department for providing security during four World Cup matches.
Prior to that, the Police department was paid Rs 34.33 crores for providing bandobast from 2008 to 2011 by India Vin Sports Private limited Company. However, Mumbai police did not ask for any interest.
The activist had tried to bring the matter to light by writing to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Police Commissioner in 2016, but to no avail.
According to Galgali, MCA is obligated to make immediate payment of the dues for the security provided as the association earns a lot of revenue through them.
He has also sought action against the responsible officers of the Local Arms divisions for not pursuing the payment recovery of the services provided.
Galgali suggested that henceforth the department should either collect the payment in advance or immediately after the match is completed to avoid spending any resources on the recovery of dues.
