Maharashtra Police disagree to provide security for IPL

What came as another setback for the second season on the Indian Premier League, Maharashtra Police has refused to provide security for the League during the polls in the state and has asked the event to be post-poned.

The Director General of Maharashtra Police, Suprakash Chakravarty, said that it was not possible for the state to spare security for the league as it was more important to secure the elections during that time.

DG Chakravarty said even if the Home Ministry decides to give a thumbs-up to the new date sheet of the IPL, the Election Commission should give a written permission to the Maharashtra Police stating that it allowed them to provide security to the IPL.

“Just for the pleasure of some people who love watching cricket in the evening, we would not like to over-strain our policemen who would be busy securing the election venues,” the DGP said.

He said it is a ‘constitutional obligation’ for the police to secure the elections and that it cannot be avoided. Whereas the IPL can be avoided and can be held after April 30 after the polls in the state are over. Thus, there is no need to ‘unnecessarily’ strain the police force in the state.

The League chairman Lalit Modi, however, still remained hopeful and said that he would first look into the DGP’s statements and then comment anything on the issue.

The DGP also said the government has notified all the states that no para-military forces would be released for the IPL.

Out of the 18 IPL matches, 14 matches would be played in Mumbai, including the opening and the closing ceremonies.

Zeenews Bureau

Latest: Mumbai Police Comissioner clears security and says that Mumbai will be able to host IPL if cleared by the state. As of March 20th 6:36p.m