MCA yet to pay cops Rs 3.6 crore for World Cup security

Six months have passed since the conclusion of the ICC World Twenty20 tournament, but the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), which availed round-the-clock security of thousands of Mumbai police personnel during the event, is yet to clear the bill of about Rs 3.6 crore for the same.

An RTI query filed by activist Anil Galgali has revealed that the lethargy of both the parties to clear the amount charged for security has resulted in loss to the state government.

Mr Galgali had sought information from the Mumbai police about details of security provided during matches to MCA and its charges since January 1, 2011.

The public information officer and assistant police commissioner (coordination) Ramesh Ghadavale provided the information compiled by the Bandobast Division that, during the ICC T-20 World cup in 2016, six matches were played in Mumbai for which Rs 60 lakh per match was charged.

This amounted to a total Rs 3.60 crore, which is still due from the MCA. The matches were played between March 10 and March 31.

Talking about the pending bill, Mr Galgali said the officials were not aware of it until he filed the query. “They had to look into the accounts to respond to my query. While no security deposit is taken before keeping such large bills pending, the Mumbai police did not even charge interest even after six months. The delay has resulted in loss to the state government, which is unacceptable,” said Mr Galgali.

Prior to this, in 2011 the police department was paid around Rs 2.65 crore (2,65,49,888) for providing bandobast for four matches.

The Mumbai police provided its 3,756 personal for bandobast duty but has failed so far to recover the payment of the bills raised.

Allegedly, only after receiving the RTI query on June 24, DCP (Campaign) Ashok Dudhe sent a letter to DCP (Local Arms) to follow up for payment of Rs 3.60 crore with the MCA. Mumbai police officials confirmed they have already sent the letter to the MCA for collection of dues, and are are awaiting their response.

When contacted, Mr Dudhe said he is unaware of the matter.

“I will have to check the documents to comment on the matter, I am not aware about the issue,” he said.

MCA officials on the other hand were unavailable for comment despite repeated attempts.

“I have already made a demand that the payment henceforth should be collected in advance or at least immediately on completion of the match, so that the department does not have to bear the stress for ensuring recovery of the dues,” added Mr Galgali.