Can’t compromise security over ‘ego issues’: Mumbai Police

BCCI have threatened to move IPL semis from Wankhede

Mumbai: Apr 27, 2011

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Despite the BCCI’s threat to shift the two IPL play-offs to Bangalore, city police today said that it cannot compromise on security rules at the Wankhede stadium here over “ego issues”.

 

“Thorough security checking is required. Not even city police commissioner is allowed to enter the ground without police accreditation. Then why are the BCCI officials making an issue out of it? Egos should be kept aside when it comes to security of thousands of people,” deputy police commissioner (Operations) Rajkumar Vhatkar told PTI.

 

“We will not compromise with security. We have taken these heightened security measures keeping in the mind the safety of thousands of spectators, cricketers and all others present inside the ground. We cannot put all these people’s security at stake because some people have ego problems,” he said.

 

What would the cricket board officials do if Bangalore police also adopts similar security measures after assessing threat perception there? Vhatkar asked.

 

The tough stand taken by the Mumbai police, preventing cricket board officials from entering their own premises inside the Wankhede Stadium during IPL match days without police passes, has upset the BCCI which is threatening to shift next month’s two play-off ties from the venue to Bangalore.

 

Police authorities are refusing to recognise valid accreditations issued by the IPL to all categories of people including event broadcasters, other service providers like catering personnel and media without a police pass accompanying it on match days.

 

News © PTI

 

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