A few days ago, a similar case came to light near the Ranjandevi Temple area in Koparkhairane village. A Maruti Eeco vehicle bearing registration number MH 46 N 5612 was found with the word ‘Press’ clearly displayed on its rear glass. The vehicle was being used to transport bar girls.
Vehicles such as Eeco, Tata Sumo, Qualis and Santro are reportedly being used to provide transportation to bar girls. The alleged use of ‘Press’ and ‘Police’ stickers on such vehicles has raised questions about whether the markings are being used to avoid police checks.
The ‘Press’ sticker is reportedly being used as a shield to evade police checks during night-time travel and nakabandi operations. It is alleged that police personnel sometimes allow vehicles carrying such markings to pass without stopping them, which is being exploited by drivers and bar owners.
The most serious allegation is that some editors of barely functioning weekly newspapers are allegedly issuing official newspaper identity cards directly to vehicle drivers in exchange for amounts ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 10,000. These identity cards are then reportedly shown during nakabandi operations to exert pressure on police personnel.
Journalism is regarded as the fourth pillar of democracy. However, the alleged misuse of the word ‘Press’ and press stickers for unethical and illegal activities is raising concerns over the image of genuine and honest journalists. Suspicious vehicles parked in villages, around temple premises and in residential areas are also reportedly creating fear and confusion among local residents.
Citizens in Navi Mumbai are questioning who would be held responsible if a serious or unfortunate criminal incident were to occur in the future involving such vehicles. The entire episode has brought the alleged proliferation of fake journalists and their activities in Navi Mumbai into focus, along with demands for strict action by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) and Navi Mumbai Police.
There are demands for immediate seizure of vehicles illegally displaying ‘Press’ or ‘Police’ markings on their glass and vehicles allegedly being used for pickup and drop services in violation of rules. The Navi Mumbai Police are also being urged to investigate weekly newspaper editors allegedly distributing unauthorised identity cards for financial gain and register cases against them.
Attention is now focused on what steps the Navi Mumbai Police Commissionerate will take against vehicles carrying such allegedly fake stickers and against illegal activities allegedly being conducted under their cover.
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