DNA

• Officials took a roundabout road to come out of trouble

Mumbai, Jul 31: A group of eight Air Force officials from Kanheri Hills at Yeoor in Thane, who went for a picnic at the Yeoor waterfalls found themselves stranded in the forest when the water level rose on Saturday. But fearing media interference, the three officials who were actually in trouble refused to take help from the police and preferred to find a solution on their own.

When the locals informed the police patrolling unit, they rushed to the spot, but the officials refused to take help and instead took a roundabout road to come out of the situation.

Police head constable from Vartak Nagar police station, SM Yadav said, “We went there to help the officials and also informed the control room. In case anything would have gone wrong while on their way in the forest, the entire blame would have fallen on us.”

Constable Devidas Sonawane said, “Their behaviour was like a disrespect to us. If the officials behave in such childish way then what can you expect from a common man? There was a group of college students present at the spot, this would certainly create bad impression on them.”

However, the Air Force officials refused to disclose their identity and on speaking with one of the officials, he said that he was the in charge of the team and will be responsible if anything goes wrong. “We come across such situations almost every day and we know how to come out of it. There is no need to hype such issues. If it is blown out of proportion it will call in for an inquiry by our seniors and create unnecessary problems,” he added.