MP gets traffic cop fired for doing her job

MP gets traffic cop fired for doing her job

Linah Baliga | TNN 

Mumbai: The traffic police have terminated the services of Bandra-Khar traffic warden Anita Lobo, who had taken on Congress MP Nilesh Rane for blocking traffic in January. 
    Lobo, who has been regulating traffic in Bandra-Khar voluntarily for two decades, said the traffic police’s notice states that her services are being discontinued due to the complaints from politicians over her alleged misbehaviour. She received the notice 15 days ago. “The notice cites political pressure as the reason for termination of my services. After 20 years of voluntary service, I am now being told that I misbehaved with politicians. Are politicians ruling the police and our country? I don’t deserve this. Where is justice in this country?” asked Lobo (55). 
    On January 28, TOI carried a report on how Lobo allegedly suffered the wrath of state industries minister Narayan Rane’s son Nilesh for carrying out her duty in Khar (W). Lobo had stopped Nilesh and his convoy for blocking traffic on 20th Road. An argument had ensued between Lobo and Rane Jr and she was reportedly detained at the Khar police station for three hours. Following the incident, support had poured in for Lobo from citizens, who criticized Nilesh’s highhandedness. 
    Now, 15 advanced locality managements and residents’ sssociations have decided to meet joint commissioner of police (traffic) Vivek Phansalkar to demand revocation of Lobo’s termination.