Security demand not fully met

He added that the decision to remove and rehabilitate stalls has to be taken by the civic anti-encroachment department and the ward office has been sending reminders.

DCP (Zone I) Dnyenshwar Phadtare said a letter was sent to PMC for certain changes on the temple premises. “After our communication,PMC did respond. They took some action but not all changes have been made. We are in the process of getting those done and coordinating with PMC officials,” he said refusing to comment on changes asked for.

PMC anti-encroachment department in-charge Ramesh Shelar said,“There are legal hurdles in implementing the suggestions. Not all vendors are eligible for rehabilitation,which means the issue will persist. Vendors should convince police to allow them to continue.”

Dipti Chaudhari,Congress MLC,said the idea to raise the issue was to confirm the incident and know about efforts taken for security of devotees. “Responding to query of legislators,the state home minister in a written reply admitted that terrorists had visited the temple area. It is clear the temple was the target of terrorists. Thousands of devotees visit the temple every day and the security measures should be upgraded,” Chaudhari said.

Sena legislator Neelam Gorhe feels police needs to increase vigilance at the temple. “The temple trust installed CCTVs and metal detectors as per police instruction. Police should increase manpower instead of insisting stalls and a few other structures be removed,” she said.