A Mumbai police constable had created sensation in the media after he had defied the protocol and greeted Raj Thackeray at the Azad Maidan where the chief of MNS had organized a rally to protest against the violence that happened on Aug 11. The constable, Pramod Tawde, has also criticized his own senior officials publicly while talking to the media. Also included in his criticism was the Commissioner Arup Patnaik who had, allegedly, erred in the case earlier.

However, the authenticity of his remarks and acerbic comments remain questionable as the constable is known to have some mental disorder. He could also face the wrath of the department once a proper inquiry has been made.

Raj Thackeray had gone against the norms set by the police by leading a march to the Azad Maidan on the Marine drive condemning the ghastly protests of the violence that occurred a fortnight ago. He also demanded that both Commissioner Arup Patnaik and Home Minister R R Patil resign for their positions.
Tawde, who is stationed in the wireless department at Byculla, said "let them take action, I am ready", after he was asked if he was worried for breaking the norms.
Tawde spoke of his mistreatment at the department when he and his colleagues from the traffic department were harassed by the CISF men on 13 Aug, 2010. His complaint to the Prime Minister, President, Chief Minister and Home Minister on the same issue was suppressed after the Union Home Minister interfered.

Pramod alleged that Arup Patnaik also made fun of him, mocking him that he looked like Subhash Chandra Bose, when he approached him demanding action against the CISF men who earlier were enraged after Tawde had intercepted their vehicle for  wrong route driving.
Thackeray said that Patil and Patnaik made a mockery of the policemen's morale. "Our policemen kept waiting for instructions to control violence. When a DCP got hold of a rioter, an abusive Patnaik told him to let off the offender. If they have little shame, they should quit now", Thakeray demanded.
MNS party legislator Bala Nandgaonkar said that Pramod was emotionally charged after the party had promised to stand by him and promised that the matter would be taken to assembly. "That's why he gave flowers to him after the meeting,"  he said.

(AW- Anil)