Mumbai Police Commissioner promises action against illegal work of foreign actors

In a bid to curb foreign actors from working illegally in Bollywood films, the cine wing of MNS has requested the Mumbai police commissioner to crack down on such instances and formulate rules regarding work permits for foreign artistes.

Mumbai police commissioner Dattatray Padsalgikar said if the film industry is found flouting norms, strict action will be taken against them.

Shalini Thackeray, working president of the Maharashtra Navnirman Chitrapat Karmachari Sena (MNCKS) after meeting Mr Padsalgikar on Wednesday evening said she apprised him of the fact that many foreign actors have been working without proper work permits in Mumbai. “We have requested the police commissioner to lay down strict laws regarding the hiring of foreign actors. People hired without proper visas and work permits are a security threat to the state and the country as well,” said Ms Thackeray adding that Mr Padsalgikar assured the formulation of an inclusive policy, which would resolve the foreign actors work permit issue.

Recently, the MNCKS had halted the shoot of actor John Abraham’s Force 2 over the issue of foreign artistes working without permits. Ms Thackeray said that they expected the local police to be given more powers to verify the documents of the foreign actors.

“To safeguard the country from anti-social elements, local police stations should be given an authority to cross-verify the documents of these foreign artists. Hotels across the city should also be asked to provide detailed information regarding the check-in of these foreign tourists to the nearest police station,” said Ms Thackeray.

Responding to the request of MNCKS, Mr Padsalgikar in a statement said, “No tourist visa allows any foreigner to work. So, if the film industry has been flouting these norms, strict action will be initiated against them. To stop such illegal activities, the Mumbai police will try to bring in newer policies to combat the crime.”