London police under pressure over clashes at women's protest.

 

London's Metropolitan Police was under heavy pressure Sunday to explain its actions during a vigil for a woman whom one of the force's own officers is accused of murdering.

Hundreds defied coronavirus restrictions to gather and protest violence against women, but the event ended with clashes between police and those attending.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said scenes from Saturday's vigil in south London were "upsetting" and she is seeking a full report on what happened from the Metropolitan Police. The capital's mayor, Sadiq Khan, said the police response was "at times neither appropriate nor proportionate."

Police were seen scuffling with some women at the event, and one woman was seen pinned to the ground by two officers. Several women were led away in handcuffs as other attendees chanted "Shame on you" at police. The force later said four people were arrested for violating public order and coronavirus regulations.   

However, Patil – who was present at the meeting –said that no discussion took place on either the resignation of Deshmukh or the reshuffle in the State Cabinet took place at the meeting.

Reiterating the party’s stand on police officer Vaze’s arrest,  Deshmukh said: “Two separate investigations are going on in connection  with the  recovery of explosive-laden SUV near industrialist Mukesh Ambani’s residence on February 25 and subsequent murder of Hiren. While the NIA is investigating the car recovery case, the ATS is looking into the subsequent murder of the businessman. All the three constituents in the ruling MVA – Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress – are on the same page. There is no truth in the allegation that the Shiv Sena is trying to protect the culprits behind the twin incidents. Whoever found guilty will be punished sternly”.

Alluding to the claim that former chief minister and leader of the opposition Devendra Fadnavis possessed an incriminating CD purportedly carrying the telephonic conversations between Vaze and late Hiren.

On former chief minister and senior BJP leader Narayan Rane’s demand for President’s rule in the state over the recent law and order developments in the state, Patil said: “The demand for President’s rule is ridiculous. There are some constitutional parameters and guidelines for the imposition of the President's rule.  If some crime takes place, the Government is committed to punish the culprits behind it.  The state government does not interfere in the investigations into any crime. If somebody dreams of ushering in the President’s rule in the state, I look at it as the political objective of the leader concerned more than anything else”.