Nearly 50 Maharashtra and Mumbai policemen, sent on deputation to Sudan are struggling to hold ground amidst the civil war inside the country. A police officer from Gadchiroli, has been running from pillar to post to ensure the safety of his three batchmates. The PI, who seeks anonymity, mentioned a gruesome account of the conditions of his friends who spoke with him through text messages.
The officer says Gautam Patare, Dr Sanjay Tungar, Dhanashri Karmarkar; all police inspectors are facing life-threatening situations. All the three have worked at various locations and Patare was the PI in Aurangabad district before being posted with the United Nations Peace Corps Missions in Sudan.
He said his batchmates have been describing the chilling tale outside their bunkers. “I am unable to record sound otherwise I would have sent you the sound of firing and bombarding. But everything is happening just about 100 metres away. You never know, any stray bullet or bomb can easily hit me. I’m in a lying position. There is no food today and we haven’t bathed for last three days. We don’t even have extra clothes,” the message states.
The officer adds that police personnel are also facing shortage of supplies. “We are here without sufficient food and clothes. We are now asking Indian battalion to give us food. But they also have a limited supply and supply comes from Tomping. Hence I am a bit hesitant to ask for food,” he further added. The officer had last spoken to them today early in the morning. “They told me about their condition and how scared they were. But after that there has been no contact.”
While Patare and Tungar were sent on deputation four months ago, Karmarkar has been posted in Sudan for three years now.
A Mumbai police officer revealed that DCP Sheila Sail (Crime against women cell) is also one of the officers stuck there. “She was sent on international deputation about two months ago,” the source said.
A senior Mumbai Police officer said that since they are on UN deputation, they come under the Centre. When contacted, director general of police, Maharashtra, Pravin Dixit said, “MEA is seized with the issue.”
