BMC can’t shirk responsibility in corrupt marshals case

A clean-up marshal fines a man for wearing his mask incorrectly in Kurla. File pic

There has been an avalanche of reactions to our front-page report on how Covid marshals were extorting from the general public, citing non-adherence to protocols.

The story began with a reporter pretending he wanted a job as a marshal and he was inducted without verification. After that, there was an absolute spiral from that employment avenue to straight-up extortion from the maskless.

While one is all for rules and standard operating procedures (SOP) governing Covid-appropriate behaviour, we must have honest and efficient marshals ensuring that these guidelines are adhered to.

There is little use threatening people to pay up, though masks are extremely important. What this task force has to do is approach those breaking the rules, impose the correct fine and give a receipt to the offender.

Instead, we see that these people are given targets, or numbers. Which means they have to nab a certain number of people per day to achieve that target. This is shocking and absolutely reprehensible. This cannot be allowed to go on as it is full scale robbery rather than implementation of rules.

If things are allowed to go on in this way, then one will witness rebellion, and people will steadily rise up in ranks against these marshals which can lead to a very dangerous situation. Even as we swing like pendulums with the Omicron threat, it is critical that we have all the on-ground rules and execution followed to the letter.

This thuggery is pouring fuel onto a combustible situation. There may be action after this exposé-report. What we have to ensure though is that there is a thorough clean-up, not a patchwork, cosmetic job of this system. Meanwhile, people too need to display responsibility and respect rather than put others at risk. A damning scenario that needs immediate attention and remedies.