Indian Police Reform
Op-Ed in Pioneer, 15 jan.,2007
Time to reform police force
Joginder Singh
Police reforms in India have been the subject of discussion right from the day it was passed and implemented in 1861. The founder of British Police, Robert Peel, the then British Prime Minister, propounded the following nine basic principles to govern all police actions:
To prevent crime and disorder as an alternative to their repression by military force and severity of legal punishment
To recognise that the power of the police to fulfil their functions and duties is dependent on public approval of their existence, actions and behaviour, and on their ability to secure and maintain public respect
To recognise that to secure and maintain the respect and approval of the public means also the securing of the willing cooperation of the public in the task of securing observance of law
To recognise that the extent to which the cooperation of the public can be secured diminishes, proportionately, the necessity of the use of physical force and compulsion for achieving police objective
To seek and preserve public favour, not by pandering to public opinion, but by constantly demonstrating absolutely impartial service to law, in complete independence of policy, and without regard to the justice or injustice of individual laws; by ready offering of individual service and friendship to all members of the public without regard to their wealth or social standing; by ready exercise of courtesy and good humour; and, by ready offering of individual sacrifice in protecting and preserving life
To use physical force only when the exercise of persuasion, advice and warning is found to be insufficient to obtain public cooperation to an extent necessary to restore order; and to use only the minimum degree of physical force, which is necessary on any particular occasion for achieving a police objective
To maintain at all times a relationship with the public that gives reality to the historic tradition that the police are the public and that the public are the police; the police being only members of the public who are paid to give full-time attention to duties which are incumbent on every citizen in the interest of community welfare and existence.
To recognise the need for strict adherence to police executive functions and to refrain from even seeming to usurp the powers of the judiciary of avenging individuals or the state and of authoritatively judging guilt and punishing the guilty.
To recognise that the test of police efficiency is the absence of crime and disorder, and not the visible evidence of police action in dealing with them."
Our police force, however, did not come up to the expectation of both the Government and people even during British rule. The Police Commission (1901-03) was set up to look into its working and suggest reforms. It said, "There can be no doubt that the police force throughout the country is in a most unsatisfactory condition, that abuses are common everywhere, that this involves great injury to the people and discredit to the Government and that radical reforms are urgently necessary." The National Police Commission of 1977-81, set up under the Chairmanship of late Governor Dharma Vira, observed: "What the Police Commission said in 1903 appears more or less equally applicable to the conditions obtaining today."
Studies after studies and commissions after commissions have highlighted the problems affecting the police. Professor David H Bayley has aptly summed it up by saying, "In India today, a dual system of criminal justice has grown, the one of the law and the other of politics. With respect at least to the police, decisions made by the police officials about the application of law are frequently subject to partisan review or direction by the elected representatives. The autonomy of the police officials in specific and routine application of law has been curtailed. This is not only true of law and order situations, but people accused of crimes have got into the habit of appealing to political figures for remission from the law."
"Police officials, throughout India, have grown accustomed to calculating the likely political effect of any enforcement action they contemplate. Fearing for their careers and especially their postings, they have become anxious and cynical. The frame, upon which justice hinges, has been undermined by the rules of politics. Supervision in the name of democracy has eroded the foundations upon which the impartiality depends in a criminal justice system," added Prof Bayley.
In a landmark judgement on police reforms, the Supreme Court, on September 22, 2006, asked the State Governments to set up state security commission by December 31. It wanted DGPs to be selected from a panel of three officers to be finalised by the UPSC. Those who are selected must get a two-year term. The apex court also wanted police officers on operational duties in the field to have a minimum tenure of two years.
There should be separate investigation and law and order duties. Police Establishment Board must decide all transfers, postings, promotions and other service-related matters of subordinate officers. Also, the police complaints authority at district and State levels has to hear complaints from the public.
Almost all the State Governments have filed affidavits either asking for more time or pleading that under the Constitution, law and order is a State subject and this order would go against the constitutional provisions. Some States have also sought more time from the apex court to bring in the desired changes. Police reforms, particularly the recommendations that the DGPs have a two-year fixed tenure and that they be chosen from a panel of officers drawn up by the UPSC have been opposed by most States.
Meanwhile, the Union Government, in its affidavit, has stated that it constituted, on January 2, a Committee on National Security and Police Welfare, which would have the Union Home Minister as its Chairperson for recommending the names of chiefs to be appointed to various Central police organisations.
Thus, the Governments are mostly reluctant to bring about the much-needed changes to reform the police. Neither would they do it themselves, nor would carry out the orders of the apex court, which has only tried to provide a level-playing field to all citizens and ensure that the fundamental right to equality is observed both in letter and spirit. It is time to remind them that it is in the interest of all that the police in India are reformed.
This is an eye opener. I was thinking that the Indian Police system must have been satisfactory to the British administration atleast. After all it was designed to serve the purpose of controlling the natives. The force was not accountable to people.ramana wrote:Op-Ed in Pioneer, 15 jan.,2007Time to reform police force
Joginder Singh
Our police force, however, did not come up to the expectation of both the Government and people even during British rule. The Police Commission (1901-03) was set up to look into its working and suggest reforms. It said, "There can be no doubt that the police force throughout the country is in a most unsatisfactory condition, that abuses are common everywhere, that this involves great injury to the people and discredit to the Government and that radical reforms are urgently necessary." The National Police Commission of 1977-81, set up under the Chairmanship of late Governor Dharma Vira, observed: "What the Police Commission said in 1903 appears more or less equally applicable to the conditions obtaining today."
Studies after studies and commissions after commissions have highlighted the problems affecting the police. Professor David H Bayley has aptly summed it up by saying, "In India today, a dual system of criminal justice has grown, the one of the law and the other of politics. With respect at least to the police, decisions made by the police officials about the application of law are frequently subject to partisan review or direction by the elected representatives. The autonomy of the police officials in specific and routine application of law has been curtailed. This is not only true of law and order situations, but people accused of crimes have got into the habit of appealing to political figures for remission from the law."
"Police officials, throughout India, have grown accustomed to calculating the likely political effect of any enforcement action they contemplate. Fearing for their careers and especially their postings, they have become anxious and cynical. The frame, upon which justice hinges, has been undermined by the rules of politics. Supervision in the name of democracy has eroded the foundations upon which the impartiality depends in a criminal justice system," added Prof Bayley.
The fact that the imperial govt. could spot the shortcomings is not a big surprise (unaccounted power, idiotic penal code) in itself.
The real surprise is that the post-Independance political class has not taken any step to dismantle and restructure this ugly monster called the Indian Police setup.
But, I think it somehow makes sense. After Independence, the power fell into the hands of the DIE and a tyrannical police force served their interests best.
Night before HC says yes to his plea for CBI probe, UP cop dies
[quote]An Uttar Pradesh police officer who went to the Allahabad High Court saying he and his family were being harassed by the state government ever since he acted against Kunda’s controversial MLA Raghuraj Pratap Singh, better known as Raja Bhaiyya and now a minister in the state, was killed in what authorities call a road accident late last night.
Incidentally, the High Court, ruling today on DSP Ram Shiromani Pandey’s petition, ordered a CBI inquiry against officials posted in Kunda when Raja Bhaiyya was booked under POTA in 2003.
Allahabad ASP (City) R P S Yadav said Pandey, who was part of the security deployment at the Ardh Kumbh Mela, was returning home in the official jeep when the accident took place. According to Yadav, Pandey, who was at the wheel, swerved to avoid a girl on the road and crashed into a wall. While Pandey died, two constables with him sustained minor injuries, Yadav said.
Allahabad DIG Gopal Lal Meena ruled out foul play. “Pandey died in a road accident. He had been given Y-security on government orders,â€
[quote]An Uttar Pradesh police officer who went to the Allahabad High Court saying he and his family were being harassed by the state government ever since he acted against Kunda’s controversial MLA Raghuraj Pratap Singh, better known as Raja Bhaiyya and now a minister in the state, was killed in what authorities call a road accident late last night.
Incidentally, the High Court, ruling today on DSP Ram Shiromani Pandey’s petition, ordered a CBI inquiry against officials posted in Kunda when Raja Bhaiyya was booked under POTA in 2003.
Allahabad ASP (City) R P S Yadav said Pandey, who was part of the security deployment at the Ardh Kumbh Mela, was returning home in the official jeep when the accident took place. According to Yadav, Pandey, who was at the wheel, swerved to avoid a girl on the road and crashed into a wall. While Pandey died, two constables with him sustained minor injuries, Yadav said.
Allahabad DIG Gopal Lal Meena ruled out foul play. “Pandey died in a road accident. He had been given Y-security on government orders,â€
Op-Ed Deccan Chronicle, 25 Jan., 2007
[quote]
States don’t want police reformed
By Dr P.C. Alexander
An important point to be noted about the directions issued by the Supreme Court on police reforms in its judgment of September 22, 2006 is that they were not anything invented by the court, but were, instead, based on the core recommendations of several high level commissions and committees which had gone thoroughly into the issue of reform of police administration. The court had before it the reports of the National Police Commission appointed in 1977 under the chairmanship of former governor Dharam Vir, the National Human Rights Commission and the Law Commission and of the committees constituted under the chairmanship of J. Ribeiro, former commissioner of police, Mumbai; K. Padmanabhaiah, former Union home secretary; Justice Malimath, and Soli Sorabjee, former attorney general.
The Supreme Court was responding to a writ petition filed before it in 1996 by Prakash Singh, a former DGP, and some others praying for issuing of directions under Article 32 of the Constitution to redefine the role of the police and to frame a new Police Act on the lines recommended by the National Police Commission. It took 10 years for the Supreme Court to deal with this petition, but when it did so, it did full justice to the subject of reforms, drawing heavily from the reports of the various commissions and committees which had till then been gathering dust in government offices. The court, after hearing the advocates of the petitioners and other interested organisations, issued a set of seven directions on the lines on which reforms are to be brought about, and fixed December 31, 2006 as the deadline for compliance by the Union and state governments.
The deadline passed off without any positive action by the government, and the court has in its latest order of January 11, 2007 fixed April 10, 2007 for compliance, making it clear at the same time that it is not inclined to consider any modification in the directions already issued by it. The Supreme Court’s directions relate to constituting a State Security Commission in every state to be a “watch dogâ€
[quote]
States don’t want police reformed
By Dr P.C. Alexander
An important point to be noted about the directions issued by the Supreme Court on police reforms in its judgment of September 22, 2006 is that they were not anything invented by the court, but were, instead, based on the core recommendations of several high level commissions and committees which had gone thoroughly into the issue of reform of police administration. The court had before it the reports of the National Police Commission appointed in 1977 under the chairmanship of former governor Dharam Vir, the National Human Rights Commission and the Law Commission and of the committees constituted under the chairmanship of J. Ribeiro, former commissioner of police, Mumbai; K. Padmanabhaiah, former Union home secretary; Justice Malimath, and Soli Sorabjee, former attorney general.
The Supreme Court was responding to a writ petition filed before it in 1996 by Prakash Singh, a former DGP, and some others praying for issuing of directions under Article 32 of the Constitution to redefine the role of the police and to frame a new Police Act on the lines recommended by the National Police Commission. It took 10 years for the Supreme Court to deal with this petition, but when it did so, it did full justice to the subject of reforms, drawing heavily from the reports of the various commissions and committees which had till then been gathering dust in government offices. The court, after hearing the advocates of the petitioners and other interested organisations, issued a set of seven directions on the lines on which reforms are to be brought about, and fixed December 31, 2006 as the deadline for compliance by the Union and state governments.
The deadline passed off without any positive action by the government, and the court has in its latest order of January 11, 2007 fixed April 10, 2007 for compliance, making it clear at the same time that it is not inclined to consider any modification in the directions already issued by it. The Supreme Court’s directions relate to constituting a State Security Commission in every state to be a “watch dogâ€
If this happens it'll have multiplier effect on cleaning up the system, this move will weaken politicians so little hope of its true implementation on time, unless CjI pulls out a big danda to scare them thugs of politicians. These politicians will protects their turf by accusing judges of encroaching on their turfs but they'll not share that power with executives et al.
This judgment ensures balanced distribution of powers between politicians and police agencies. Also separation of detective works from law and order duties will bring more expertise into crime investigation and will help in convicting more criminals which usually gets off technical errors commited by danda-weilding police officers. It's just common sense that SC wants done but ...will see
I have more faith in SC’s willpower in getting its judgment implemented after Delhi demolition drive. Almost every one thought that politicians will find a way to reward law breaking citizens but that didn't happen even after violent protests, bands, chakka jaam, killings and crippling strikes by bunch of goons that call themselves traders, thanks to the strong will shown by Judiciary.
This judgment ensures balanced distribution of powers between politicians and police agencies. Also separation of detective works from law and order duties will bring more expertise into crime investigation and will help in convicting more criminals which usually gets off technical errors commited by danda-weilding police officers. It's just common sense that SC wants done but ...will see
I have more faith in SC’s willpower in getting its judgment implemented after Delhi demolition drive. Almost every one thought that politicians will find a way to reward law breaking citizens but that didn't happen even after violent protests, bands, chakka jaam, killings and crippling strikes by bunch of goons that call themselves traders, thanks to the strong will shown by Judiciary.
Ahmed likely to be appointed CRPF chief
Home Ministry meet of UTs on police reformsPosted at Thursday, 01 February 2007 14:02 IST
New Delhi, Feb 1: Director General of CISF S.I. S. Ahmed is likely to head the world's largest para-military force, CRPF, while M.K. Sinha may be the new chief of Railway Protection Force.
The second meeting of the National Security Commission held today under the chairmanship of Home Minister Shivraj Patil discussed various names for the post of chiefs of CRPF and RPF.
The post of CRPF chief is lying vacant since October last year, while head of the RPF, A. K. Suri retired today.
The Commission, which was formed on January two as per the order of the Supreme Court, forwarded three names for the post of the CRPF to the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet which also included Delhi Police Commissioner K.K. Paul and Commissioner of Bureau for Civil Aviation S R Mehra.
While Paul is understood to have expressed his reservation in joining, Mehra, who will be retiring in March next year, may not be moved at all, the sources said.
Currently, Director General of the National Security Guards (NSG) J K Dutt is also functioning as DG CRPF.
Others present at the meeting were -- National Security Advisor M.K. Narayanan, Cabinet Secretary B.K. Chaturvedi, Home Secretary V.K. Duggal and Intelligence Bureau Chief P. C. Halder.
M.K. Sinha, a 1971 batch officer of Bihar cadre, is tipped to take over the Railway Protection Force. He is at present Director General of Civil Defence.
The Centre, while setting the ball rolling on police reforms, had announced the formation of the Commission as appointing authority for selection of chief of Central police organisations for a minimum tenure of two years.
New Delhi, Feb 01: With the Supreme Court directing the Centre to expedite police reforms, a meeting of the Chief Secretaries and advisors of the Union Territories has been convened by the Union Home Ministry here today.
Since police administration in the UTS comes directly under the Union Home Ministry, the meeting to be chaired by Home Minister Shivraj Patil, will discuss the issue of expediting compliance of the apex court directive and framing of a model Police Act for UTS based on Sorabjee Panel Report.
Officials said a meeting of the committee on national security and central police personnel welfare was held yesterday.
The commission has also been entrusted with the task of going ahead with the selection and placement of heads of central police organisations. But, states are not very enthusiastic about it as they are not ready to lose control over the police force.
The apex court had on January 11 dismissed the plea of the states and UTS to modify or review its directions on implementation of police reforms and allowed the centre time till March 31 to comply with its orders.
Anguished over the failure of the state governments to comply with its earlier order of September 22, 2006, to implement the directions, the court has granted them another three months for setting UP State Security Commission, police complaint authority and separation of investigation wing of the police from law and order wing.
On the selection and tenure of DGP, terms of IGP and other senior police officers and composition of Police Establishment Board, the court has given only four weeks' time with effect from January 11, this year.
States can’t handle, need federal crime agency for terror: Soli to SC
[quote]Police Reform: ‘Terror affects India’s defence, bring law to get it on Union list’
NEW DELHI, FEBRUARY 7: The Soli Sorabjee Committee on police reforms, drafting the model Police Act, has told the Supreme Court that it strongly recommends the creation of a federal agency to combat terrorism, arms, drug trafficking, money laundering and even organized crime.
Viewing such activities as “serious threats aimed at destabilizing the security, integrity and economy of India,â€
[quote]Police Reform: ‘Terror affects India’s defence, bring law to get it on Union list’
NEW DELHI, FEBRUARY 7: The Soli Sorabjee Committee on police reforms, drafting the model Police Act, has told the Supreme Court that it strongly recommends the creation of a federal agency to combat terrorism, arms, drug trafficking, money laundering and even organized crime.
Viewing such activities as “serious threats aimed at destabilizing the security, integrity and economy of India,â€
http://deccanherald.com/deccanherald/fe ... 007224.asp
Add to the police inability to stop such abominable crimes.. nor they can prevent., even after well known conditions..
police is the most corrupt and criminal minded people of India. I have my own experience.. sorry, I don't have any good news about our police. And all those views has to be based on my experience rather few good ones that are exceptions.
unfortunate India.. these types of crimes makes me think against basic living.
highly shameful, sometimes to think they have your own citizenship type.
aaaah! it hurts... to even just think.
Add to the police inability to stop such abominable crimes.. nor they can prevent., even after well known conditions..
police is the most corrupt and criminal minded people of India. I have my own experience.. sorry, I don't have any good news about our police. And all those views has to be based on my experience rather few good ones that are exceptions.
unfortunate India.. these types of crimes makes me think against basic living.
highly shameful, sometimes to think they have your own citizenship type.
aaaah! it hurts... to even just think.
When police personnel posed as complainants
CHENNAI: As part of efforts to improve the image of the police among members of the public, a zonal Inspector-General of Police hit upon a novel idea.
He sent policemen, posing as complainants, to different police stations. And guess what happened? Some of them were abused, some others beaten up.
Director-General of Police D. Mukherjee narrated the constables' experience on Tuesday, at a programme to "sensitise resource persons on protection of human rights and to promote awareness on human rights literacy," organised by the State and National Human Rights Commissions.
"Shocking"
Mr. Mukherjee said the Inspector-General assembled 85 head constables throughout his zone and, after briefing them, sent them to police stations where they had not served, with complaints. After three days, they reassembled to speak about their experiences. "The results were shocking," the DGP said. The police personnel then took a vow that they would not indulge in similar acts.
Explaining that violation of human rights amounted to abuse of State's authority, he said the police, the most visible arm, were given the most extensive powers. If the police deviated from the principle as to "what you should [do], when you should [do] and how you should [do]", they would tarnish the image of the force.
Realising that image of the force had taken a beating, a `police image project' was launched. In addition to this, zonal officers were allowed to evolve their own themes. Simultaneously, the Police Training College organised training courses on human rights and police image project.
"We have made a beginning," the DGP said, adding that the efforts were paying dividends. He made a request to the NHRC to help the police with the course material.
http://www.suchetadalal.com/articles/di ... 61.article
Good article on narco-analysis and its validity. I always wondered as to why there was a sudden rush to use this method. I am in two minds whether to like it or not. On one hand it seems more humane than the savage beatings that a suspect may be subjected to, on the other hand there is a tendency to interpret the results as gospel truth.
I suppose as long as it doesnt get accepted in court as evidence, it would be a useful tool for the investigators. The danger is when courts start accepting it to convict.
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Allakh Niranjan!
Good article on narco-analysis and its validity. I always wondered as to why there was a sudden rush to use this method. I am in two minds whether to like it or not. On one hand it seems more humane than the savage beatings that a suspect may be subjected to, on the other hand there is a tendency to interpret the results as gospel truth.
I suppose as long as it doesnt get accepted in court as evidence, it would be a useful tool for the investigators. The danger is when courts start accepting it to convict.
--------------------------------
Allakh Niranjan!
Resurrecting an old thread...
It seems that Mumbai Police has done the decent thing: they have equipped all their mobile police vans with GPS receivers. The police control room is equipped with a NOC-type giant display that updates the location of all vans in real time. The idea in theory is that when an incident is reported, the dispatcher can easily send the nearest van rather than querying each one individually. An excellent upgrade IMHO, should reduce response times....in theory. The graphics seem top notch with ability to zoom in on the map progressively showing more resolution. The whole outfitting cost 4.5 crore Rs....
Now only if they do something about the tendency to take "breaks" in the van when on duty.
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Allakh Niranjan!
It seems that Mumbai Police has done the decent thing: they have equipped all their mobile police vans with GPS receivers. The police control room is equipped with a NOC-type giant display that updates the location of all vans in real time. The idea in theory is that when an incident is reported, the dispatcher can easily send the nearest van rather than querying each one individually. An excellent upgrade IMHO, should reduce response times....in theory. The graphics seem top notch with ability to zoom in on the map progressively showing more resolution. The whole outfitting cost 4.5 crore Rs....
Now only if they do something about the tendency to take "breaks" in the van when on duty.
**********************
Allakh Niranjan!
Op-ed in Deccan Chronicle 23 AUg., 2007
More power to CBI
By Dr P.C. Alexander
According to media reports, the decision to withdraw the appeal from the Argentinian Supreme Court about the extradition of Ottavio Quattrocchi was taken by the government, with the CBI having had no inkling about it. Without going into the merits or otherwise of the decision (the matter is before the Supreme Court of India now), I wish to avail this opportunity to raise the fundamental issue of what exactly should be the role of the CBI as the country’s principal law enforcement agency and what needs to be done to enable it to discharge its responsibilities adequately and efficiently.
Among the various problems faced by the CBI, a basic one is the absence of a comprehensive legislation with a clear definition of its duties and of the extent of autonomy it shall have while dealing with various ministries involved in its functioning. Perhaps, some of the limitations, which the CBI suffers from, arose from the manner in which it started functioning and has grown in subsequent years. The organisation had its beginning in 1941 when the government, through an executive order, established the Special Police Establishment (SPE) to investigate cases of corruption and bribery which had become rampant in the then Department of War and Supply. New responsibilities were added to the SPE through executive orders and in 1946 statutory backing was provided to it through an Act called the Delhi Police Establishment Act (DPEA). The responsibility for investigation of more categories of crimes such as violations of certain specified sections of the Indian Penal Code and some other Central laws was added to the charge of the SPE.
In 1963, a Central police agency with the name the "Central Bureau of Investigation" was established with powers not only to investigate corruption cases, but also violation of Central fiscal laws, major frauds, organised crimes, etc. However, the legal basis for the CBI continued to be the DPEA of 1946. Under this Act, the Central government notifies the crimes which should come within the jurisdiction of the CBI. Investigation of crimes falling within the powers of states is to be undertaken by the CBI only with the consent of the state government concerned.
The jurisdiction of the CBI may appear to be very vast, but it is still not complete and comprehensive. Several important crimes which should appropriately be handled by a Central agency are still outside its jurisdiction. For example, "federal crimes" which include drugs, human trafficking, gun running, circulation of counterfeit currency, cyber crimes, money laundering, terrorism, espionage and crimes affecting internal and economic security do not fall within its jurisdiction except in a marginal and ad hoc manner.
Internal security which includes dealing with Naxalite and Marxist insurgency and violence is mainly the responsibility of the states. Some state governments appear to be touchy about parting with their responsibilities for internal security, even though such cases often have inter-state and even international ramifications. In the interest of ensuring prompt and effective action in such cases, it may be appropriate to include the "federal crimes," particularly crimes relating to internal and economic security, in the Concurrent List and to make the CBI responsible for handling them at the Central level.
Anti-corruption cases against senior public servants have become one of the important responsibilities of the CBI, but even here the CBI faces certain avoidable handicaps. The most serious one is the provision that investigation or prosecution of public servants of and above the rank of joint secretaries to the government of India can be undertaken only with the prior approval of the Central government. This is justified on the ground that senior public servants require the "protection" of the government from any arbitrary exercise of the powers of investigation and prosecution by the CBI.
This argument itself shows the lack of full confidence in the CBI which is the government’s principal instrument for dealing with the problem of corruption by public servants. This also encourages the familiar "neta-babu nexus" when the corrupt among public servants get "protection" from the corrupt among their political bosses. Instead of the government assuming to itself the power to decide whether an investigation or prosecution is necessary in the case of senior public servants, it should adopt a neutral attitude, trusting the CBI to act with discretion and fairness.
While it is necessary to enlarge the jurisdiction of the CBI, it is more important that the agency should be invested with the necessary resources and the autonomy in the management of the duties assigned to it. Shortage of staff at all levels of the organisation has become a major handicap affecting its efficiency. Take the case of the prosecuting staff. The approved strength of the prosecuting staff is far below the minimum requirements, but even among the approved posts, almost 30 per cent always remain vacant. In certain important cases where the accused would have engaged the services of highly experienced and competent lawyers, the CBI is not able to secure the services of such lawyers because of the very low rate of fees fixed by the government for such services. There have been complaints about the delays in the disposal of CBI cases by the courts. One of the important causes of delays is the inadequacy of special courts to deal with CBI cases. More special courts to deal exclusively with CBI cases and strengthening the cadre of prosecuting officers both in number and in quality will help a great deal in expeditious disposal of the cases.
Another major problem of the CBI is in getting adequate number of senior police officers on deputation from the state governments. The CBI has to have a good number of officers with experience in handling criminal offences at the state level and therefore, the practice of getting competent officers on deputation from the IPS cadre of the state cannot be dispensed with. However, the special pay and allowances and other such facilities offered by the CBI have not been good enough to induce officers serving in the state to opt for CBI service on deputation basis. It is, therefore, essential that the provision for special pay and allowances, etc., for the CBI officers be considerably enhanced to improve the adequacy and efficiency of the staff at all levels. In this connection, it may be useful to examine the considerable degree of autonomy given to another important Central organisation dealing with national security, namely, the RAW and see to what extent such delegation of powers can be made in favour of the CBI also.
There is a growing demand for the services of the CBI from the state governments, and the judiciary also has been entrusting several tasks to the CBI. While this is a manifestation of the trust the people have in the efficiency and fairness of the CBI as a law enforcement agency, the empowerment of the CBI to cope with the responsibilities it has to discharge cannot be delayed any further.
Dr P.C. Alexander was the Governor of Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu and is at present a Member of Parliament (RS)
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Fake encounter: 15 policemen get life
By PTI, Tuesday September 11
Etawah(UP), Sep 11 (PTI) A court here today awarded life imprisonment to 15 policemen, including three Sub-Inspectors, in a 15-year-old fake encounter case.
Pronouncing the judgement, Special Judge R P Sharma also slapped a fine of Rs 5,000 each on three SIs and Rs 1000 each on 12 constables.
The policemen were found guilty of killing one Raj Narain alias Subha Tewari, a resident of Darkar village, in a fake encounter on January 28, 1992.
According to the prosecution, police had claimed that Tewari was a dacoit and was killed in an encounter in Chambal ravines in Uttar Pradesh.
Police had also claimed that Tewari's body was swept away in swirling waters of a river.
However, an inquiry conducted by the state CB-CID found the encounter fake.
The case was handed over to the CB-CID after Tewari's uncle demanded a thorough probe into the killing.
Soon after the court verdict, the policemen were handcuffed and taken to jail.
------------------------------------
Dawood etc also paying big bucks to SCjs to take a stand against encounters=murders. Also, lawyers and judges make money from "due process of law" and were losing money due to encounter=murder. So SCjs have started harassing encountervadi = murderer policemen. The local court judges are taking cue from SCjs and they too have started harassing encounterist= murderer policemen.
.
Fake encounter: 15 policemen get life
By PTI, Tuesday September 11
Etawah(UP), Sep 11 (PTI) A court here today awarded life imprisonment to 15 policemen, including three Sub-Inspectors, in a 15-year-old fake encounter case.
Pronouncing the judgement, Special Judge R P Sharma also slapped a fine of Rs 5,000 each on three SIs and Rs 1000 each on 12 constables.
The policemen were found guilty of killing one Raj Narain alias Subha Tewari, a resident of Darkar village, in a fake encounter on January 28, 1992.
According to the prosecution, police had claimed that Tewari was a dacoit and was killed in an encounter in Chambal ravines in Uttar Pradesh.
Police had also claimed that Tewari's body was swept away in swirling waters of a river.
However, an inquiry conducted by the state CB-CID found the encounter fake.
The case was handed over to the CB-CID after Tewari's uncle demanded a thorough probe into the killing.
Soon after the court verdict, the policemen were handcuffed and taken to jail.
------------------------------------
Dawood etc also paying big bucks to SCjs to take a stand against encounters=murders. Also, lawyers and judges make money from "due process of law" and were losing money due to encounter=murder. So SCjs have started harassing encountervadi = murderer policemen. The local court judges are taking cue from SCjs and they too have started harassing encounterist= murderer policemen.
.
http://in.rediff.com/news/2007/sep/20women.htm
80% of women in Delhi unsafe.
Has a strong police aspect to it. As it is rightly said, posting mere security guards is not a solution as was rightly experienced by forum member emsin on the security thread
For sure, people are more afraid of the police. The very fact that we teach our kids to be afraid of the police ("keep quiet else the police will come") is a testimony to the depths the police have sunk in general.
80% of women in Delhi unsafe.
Has a strong police aspect to it. As it is rightly said, posting mere security guards is not a solution as was rightly experienced by forum member emsin on the security thread
For sure, people are more afraid of the police. The very fact that we teach our kids to be afraid of the police ("keep quiet else the police will come") is a testimony to the depths the police have sunk in general.
Pioneer, Op-Ed 2 October 2007
Crime and police
RD Kewalramani proposes an agenda for police reforms
In India, the police force is quite understaffed. The UN norm is 222 policemen per one lakh people; In European countries, it's between 250 and 450. In India, it is 122; in Bihar, it's 58; in Andhra Pradesh, it's 98.
In Delhi, there are about 125 police stations. In each magistrate court, in whose jurisdiction one or more police stations lie, has two or more policemen to produce the accused, prepare remand or bail papers, prepare summons and warrants, check the attendance of witnesses and so on.
There is little corruption in the armed constabulary that constitutes 70 per cent of the local force and is employed in guard and escort duties. To say as such that police is wholly corrupt is wrong.
There should be no financial constraint in having an efficient and effective police force. Providing the local thana with sophisticated arms is not required. Only Anti-Terrorist Squads (ATS) need modern weapons and allied equipment.
The Dharma Vira Commission gave many valuable suggestions to improve the police force more than 25 years ago, but our politicians have little time for public security or inclination to keep criminals under check. Most of the recommendations of the commission have, therefore, been ignored.
We do not have district jails in many districts. One big jail is Tihar in Delhi; it houses under-trials in courts around Delhi -- Tis Hazari, Rohini, Karkardooma, India Gate and Saket. There are nine district magistrates, one each for the nine districts, but there is only one jail. To aggravate the problem, many States have formed new revenue districts without police lines, jails, and treasuries.
Police's special units, with the staff in plain clothes, are put into operation to check gambling, prostitution, illegal sale of narcotics, and liquor law violations. Such units need to be strengthened.
The police need quick and efficient services of experts in handwriting, blood and semen samples recovered from the scene of crime. The police deal with dead bodies -- many of them unclaimed -- and produce them before medical officers for post-mortem examinations.
Many of our criminal justice laws are out of date. The penal code was enacted in 1860, the Evidence Act in 1872. The Police Act is of 1861. Any confession before a police officer is not admissible in courts of law. This is like carrying the legacy of distrust during the British rule.
It costs several lakhs of rupees to train our Armymen and policemen. Training an IPS officer -- there are about 3,000 such officers in the country -- is also very costly. But these officers are demotivated on seeing the low level of morality of politicians.
The Government should not only implement the Dharma Vira Committee recommendations but also seriously consider:
- Giving the power of investigation to constables with over five years service and proficiency in local language,
Relieving the police of service of summons and warrants - let the civilian staff of courts perform these jobs; the police will then have more time to catch thieves, robbers, pickpockets, car lifters, etc,
Withdrawing armed guards from the residences of VIPs and officers; this work may be outsourced to private security agencies,
Banning the creation of new districts or police stations in various states and union territories for five years.
From Deccan Chronicle, 2 Oct, 2007
Andhra Pradesh is growing and there is need for more police.New police set-up soon
Hyderabad Oct. 2: In view of the spurt in crime rate, four major towns of Rajahmundry, Tirupati, Guntur and Warangal will have special urban police set-up by January next. The proposed urban police districts will have 1,962 additional police personnel and other paraphernalia required for the force. Senior police officials have begun reorganising the police stations in these units. Each urban police district will have a special branch, district armed reserve, central crime station and traffic branch.
An additional superintendent of police post has been sanctioned for day-to-day administration in the urban district. Director general of police M.A. Basith said that creation of urban district s would help improve policing and ensure better service. Mr Basith said that the government had okayed a recruitment plan where in 37, 730 posts would be filled up in a phased manner. "This is the first time such a massive recruitment has been taken up," he said. The 37,730 sanctioned posts include 17,911 civil police personnel like constables, sub–inspectors and deputy superintendents.
Likewise, 1,766 posts have been earmarked for newly proposed anti terrorist wing Octopus, 3,619 posts for strengthening of special branch units in Hyderabad, Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam besides all district head quarters. About 8,916 personnel would be recruited in the reserve units.
http://www.mid-day.com/news/city/2006/o ... 145426.htm
It is despicable that we build police stations and chowkies without drinking water and toilets. This is not some god forsaken outpost in Bihar, but in the city of Mumbai. Of course, the minister and the babu will get swank toilets of Italian marble.
The state in which the ordinary havildar and Sub Inspectors live daily and work is horrible, which surely contributes to their high handedness.
It is despicable that we build police stations and chowkies without drinking water and toilets. This is not some god forsaken outpost in Bihar, but in the city of Mumbai. Of course, the minister and the babu will get swank toilets of Italian marble.
The state in which the ordinary havildar and Sub Inspectors live daily and work is horrible, which surely contributes to their high handedness.
Maya's remark jolts IPS cadre
Not sure if its going to make any difference but this sure is funny.
Not sure if its going to make any difference but this sure is funny.
When asked by a scribe about the time by which she intents to introduce the system, she replied: "Ab yeh inke uppar hai ... jab sudhar jayen," (Now it is upto them. When ever they change themselves for good).
Barely had the chief minister left the press-conference, a mad scramble among mediamen prevailed as they tried to pin down a senior police officer with pointed queries: "Akhir kab sudhroge?"(When will you improve). Apparently the officers were aware about what the media had in store for them. At least the huff in which they left the venue.
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Rahul Mehta
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There is no "jolt". Almost IPS are now 100% shameless, and immune to gaalies we commons throw them (as long as bribes keep coming). And same goes for almost all Ministers, almost all IAS, almost all Supreme Court judges, almost all High Court judges and almost all lower court judges. No one has any shame left to feel a "jolt".Sidd wrote:Maya's remark jolts IPS cadre
And Mayawati should not have made such remark. CMs are more corrupt than IPS. And Mayawati is No.3 queen of bribery in India right after Rajmata and Jayalalitha. And while corruption in IPS and policemen is most visible, reality is that policemen make LESS bribes than many like Income tax, customs, Supreme Court judges, High Court judges, Lower court judges, sales tax offices, Ministers etc.
While I do believe that we should curse and insult corrupt IPS with loud voice --- about 2 hours a week I feel sympathetic for them as people who make far far more bribes then IPS (like SCjs, HCjs, IAS, Income Tax officers etc) get much less curses from commons in general.
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This is almost sheer nonsense! I pity you if you do not find anyone honest among your family and friends who hold government positions. Almost says something about the family upbringing and company they keep!Rahul Mehta wrote:There is no "jolt". Almost IPS are now 100% shameless, and immune to gaalies we commons throw them (as long as bribes keep coming). And same goes for almost all Ministers, almost all IAS, almost all Supreme Court judges, almost all High Court judges and almost all lower court judges. No one has any shame left to feel a "jolt".Sidd wrote:Maya's remark jolts IPS cadre
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You are arguing with commons Mr Durvasa?? Shame on you elitemen squeezing the poor by studying on rent free lands of IITs etc etc. How dare you argue with Mehtaji with such suspect credentials??durvasa wrote: This is almost sheer nonsense! I pity you if you do not find anyone honest among your family and friends who hold government positions. Almost says something about the family upbringing and company they keep!
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Rahul Mehta
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Durvasa,Rahul Mehta : There is no "jolt". Almost IPS are now 100% shameless, and immune to gaalies we commons throw them (as long as bribes keep coming). And same goes for almost all Ministers, almost all IAS, almost all Supreme Court judges, almost all High Court judges and almost all lower court judges. No one has any shame left to feel a "jolt".
durvasa: This is almost sheer nonsense! I pity you if you do not find anyone honest among your family and friends who hold government positions. Almost says something about the family upbringing and company they keep!
I dont know how many commons you meet in a decade. But if and when you meet a common, pls do ask him what he thinks about policemen. But here is some thing to give you an idea ------ ex-CBI director V Raghavan writes articles in DDM-Frontline. In one of his articles, he wrote about his conversation with a common (a cab driver in Mumbai). Raghavan asked him what that he thought about policemen, and Raghavan writes that he got unprintable words as answer.
And most commons' opinions about policemen, IPS, IAS, judges and Ministers are nearly the same as what I said or what that cabbie said. So perhaps in your opinion, we all commons had had very poor upbringing and so forth. Well , so be it.
But IYO IPS, IAS, Supreme Court judges, High Court judges etc had good family upbringing, right? Can you tell me why they support bribery of their bosses and colleagues rather than exposing them? So is that a question to difficult for you, an IIMian, to answer? Can you ask your honest friends in IAS, IPS, Ministers and judiciary why they are hostile to giving details of their corrupt bosses and colleagues?
Will write more after you answer about deliberate inactions of these honest IAS, IPS etc in your friend circle.
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Rudranathh
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‘Wireless’ training for cops
Deccan Herald
This is something other than 'wireless' training since it is going to be conducted in Ranchi.
Deccan Herald
The report says 'wireless' training but Karnataka police already uses wireless sets and it is part of their training course.Bangalore, DHNS: The CRPF will train the State police in wireless and radio operations for its requirement during internal security challenges. Speaking to reporters here on Friday, CRPF Director General S I S Ahmed said the Karnataka police will be trained at Ranchi, Jharkhand.
This is something other than 'wireless' training since it is going to be conducted in Ranchi.
Delhi Police gets GPS for better tracking
[quote]Troubled by allegations of misuse of police vehicle and not reaching at crime scenes on time, Delhi Police has decided to fix high-tech global positioning system (GPS) on its 1,500 field vehicles.
This technology will help the police to track the movement of all vehicles.
Delhi Police also proposes to introduce “scratch padsâ€
[quote]Troubled by allegations of misuse of police vehicle and not reaching at crime scenes on time, Delhi Police has decided to fix high-tech global positioning system (GPS) on its 1,500 field vehicles.
This technology will help the police to track the movement of all vehicles.
Delhi Police also proposes to introduce “scratch padsâ€
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Rudranathh
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Punjab policemen perform bhangra for fitness
December 29th, 2007
Ludhiana, Dec 29: The image of a typical cop with layers of flab is a major cause for concern and raises questions about fitness in the force.
For the Punjab police, it is quite a challenge to persuade these obese personnel to shed flab. But, they have evolved a novel way to dispose some of the adipose by shaking a leg to bhangra during their daily drill.
During a recent routine check-up, it was found that as many as half the police force in the state was afflicted by ailments including obesity.
"There is no time for resting and their food intake is highly irregular. There is very little time to bite into a morsel or to spare time for the family. So when they work under such difficult situations and are stressed out. Their mental and physical equilibrium is deeply disturbed. It is very essential that they are physically and mentally fit, " said Dr. D J Singh, Dy. Director, Punjab Police Training Academy, Phillaur.
After honing their skills at wielding the stick and regulating traffic, the "well-endowed" Punjab police cops in Batinda have now added peppy bhangra to their daily drill.
A session of the vigorous folk dance is part of the weight-loss programme designed by SSP Naunihal Singh, who was reportedly overwhelmed by the collective fat of his force.
The initiative is already beginning to show results with the 264-odd policemen having shed two kg each in two months.
"Our fitness levels have gone up. I have shed more than 2.5 kilograms. All the personnel undergoing the weight-loss regime are totally relaxed. Earlier, they lived under tremendous stress and now they have destressed practicing the Bhangra, physical exercise and yoga in the early morning, " said Mohan.
Ram, another personnel added, "Policemen will gain relief from several ailments and develop trim physiques. And these smart Punjab police personnel can be spotted and signalled out even in a crowd, " Singh said.
While more then half of these police personnel were prescribed the bhangra drill, the rest were sent for yoga practice. They were further sub-divided into 12 teams comprising 22 members each with a gazetted officer at the helm.
It has been announced that a competition to assess the weight loss will be held in February 2008 and rewards will be given to teams who report a substantial loss. Those who don't will be penalized. (ANI)
December 29th, 2007
Ludhiana, Dec 29: The image of a typical cop with layers of flab is a major cause for concern and raises questions about fitness in the force.
For the Punjab police, it is quite a challenge to persuade these obese personnel to shed flab. But, they have evolved a novel way to dispose some of the adipose by shaking a leg to bhangra during their daily drill.
During a recent routine check-up, it was found that as many as half the police force in the state was afflicted by ailments including obesity.
"There is no time for resting and their food intake is highly irregular. There is very little time to bite into a morsel or to spare time for the family. So when they work under such difficult situations and are stressed out. Their mental and physical equilibrium is deeply disturbed. It is very essential that they are physically and mentally fit, " said Dr. D J Singh, Dy. Director, Punjab Police Training Academy, Phillaur.
After honing their skills at wielding the stick and regulating traffic, the "well-endowed" Punjab police cops in Batinda have now added peppy bhangra to their daily drill.
A session of the vigorous folk dance is part of the weight-loss programme designed by SSP Naunihal Singh, who was reportedly overwhelmed by the collective fat of his force.
The initiative is already beginning to show results with the 264-odd policemen having shed two kg each in two months.
"Our fitness levels have gone up. I have shed more than 2.5 kilograms. All the personnel undergoing the weight-loss regime are totally relaxed. Earlier, they lived under tremendous stress and now they have destressed practicing the Bhangra, physical exercise and yoga in the early morning, " said Mohan.
Ram, another personnel added, "Policemen will gain relief from several ailments and develop trim physiques. And these smart Punjab police personnel can be spotted and signalled out even in a crowd, " Singh said.
While more then half of these police personnel were prescribed the bhangra drill, the rest were sent for yoga practice. They were further sub-divided into 12 teams comprising 22 members each with a gazetted officer at the helm.
It has been announced that a competition to assess the weight loss will be held in February 2008 and rewards will be given to teams who report a substantial loss. Those who don't will be penalized. (ANI)
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Rudranathh
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Uttar Pradesh Police seize 4 kg heroin
December 29th, 2007
HeroinGorakhpur (UP), Dec 29 : The Special Task Force (STF) of Uttar Pradesh Police on Saturday arrested five people and recovered over four kilogram heroin worth Rs 40 million in international market from their possession in Gorakhpur District.
The heroin of Thai origin reached India via Nepal and was supposed to be delivered to a man in Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh.
"The Special Task Force (STF) team was on the alert for a possible drug haul at the India-Nepal corridor. It's a major success for the STF team," said STF Assistant Commissioner of Police Manoj Kumar Jha.
Following the interrogation of the smugglers by the STF officials, it was revealed that they were part of an international cabal.
Jha went on to say that the STF team would further investigate into the matter.
The seizure of such a massive consignment of drug in the state proves that there is a major drug network between India and Nepal. (ANI)
December 29th, 2007
HeroinGorakhpur (UP), Dec 29 : The Special Task Force (STF) of Uttar Pradesh Police on Saturday arrested five people and recovered over four kilogram heroin worth Rs 40 million in international market from their possession in Gorakhpur District.
The heroin of Thai origin reached India via Nepal and was supposed to be delivered to a man in Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh.
"The Special Task Force (STF) team was on the alert for a possible drug haul at the India-Nepal corridor. It's a major success for the STF team," said STF Assistant Commissioner of Police Manoj Kumar Jha.
Following the interrogation of the smugglers by the STF officials, it was revealed that they were part of an international cabal.
Jha went on to say that the STF team would further investigate into the matter.
The seizure of such a massive consignment of drug in the state proves that there is a major drug network between India and Nepal. (ANI)
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Rudranathh
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Bhubaneshwar & Cuttack get police commissioner system
Jan 1,2007
In Orissa, the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack were brought under the new police commissionerate system today.
A senior IPS officer Mr. Binay Kumar Behra has assumed the charge of the first police commissioner, with magisterial powers. The commissioner will be assisted by nine Additional Commissioners and eight Deputy Commissioners. They have also been delegated magisterial powers.
Under the new system, Bhubaneswar district has been divided into five sub-divisions with 18 (18) police stations and Katak with four sub-divisions and 16 (16) police stations. Third one to a new Traffic District comprising both the cities having more than 15 lakh population.
The headquarter of the new commissionerate will function at Bhubaneswar. A notification in this regard was issued yesterday.
Jan 1,2007
In Orissa, the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack were brought under the new police commissionerate system today.
A senior IPS officer Mr. Binay Kumar Behra has assumed the charge of the first police commissioner, with magisterial powers. The commissioner will be assisted by nine Additional Commissioners and eight Deputy Commissioners. They have also been delegated magisterial powers.
Under the new system, Bhubaneswar district has been divided into five sub-divisions with 18 (18) police stations and Katak with four sub-divisions and 16 (16) police stations. Third one to a new Traffic District comprising both the cities having more than 15 lakh population.
The headquarter of the new commissionerate will function at Bhubaneswar. A notification in this regard was issued yesterday.
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Rahul Mehta
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I am putting this news here, as such gangs are results of corruption in IPS, judges and neta.
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http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Citi ... 821153.cms
Beware, 'fracture gang' on prowl
10 Jan 2008
AHMEDABAD
Mangal Punjabi, 27, is son of a factory worker, jobless and booked in seven cases of extortion and criminal intimidation. Munno Tiwari is 25, son of a small factory owner, has three such cases against him. Meet Ahmedabad's newest gang - the 'Fracture gang' derived from the Sanjay Dutt blockbuster 'Vaastav' because they end up breaking bones of their victims, or simply stabbing them.
Punjabi and Tiwari are the only two members of this gang who have been arrested. The rest continue to terrorise areas like Odhav in the city.
Local residents call them 'lukkhas' or goons. Sporting tikas, they come on bikes and strike a prospering trader - threaten him, beat him, extort money and zoom off - in less than three minutes.
Traders in Odhav are terrorised more because the gang seems to have a deep nexus with the police, who are unable to nip the gang in the bud.
The gangsters have specific roles. Tiwari is an intelligence gatherer while Punjabi intimidates and extorts money. Then come the assaulters. Each bike rides three gang members.
Two threaten and beat up the victim while the third keeps the engine running for a quick getaway.
Proof of the gang's clout is that at least three junior cops got transferred when they tried to check them. {1}
"They strike in the evening and demand bikes, mobile phones, money or eviction of property. If refused they attack with swords, knives and metal pipes," said Nanji Thakkar, owner of an industrial machine tools factory who was asked to pay up Rs 20,000. When he denied, the gang members stabbed him in the stomach and chest. He claims that police refused to register his complaint.
"We have got 24 names of the gang members and we will give these to the police," said Janak Patel, a member of Odhav Traders' Association.
Patel said: "They generally sport a red tika on forehead and demand protection money. Owner of a private finance agency in Odhav supported them and bought them 20 new bikes without number plates."
Odhav police officials, however, shrug off the 'gang' tag. "These are goons and unemployed youth. Branding them as a gang is a bit far-fetched. {2} The incidents of extortion have no specific modus operandi. Some blackmail factory owners, but mainly because of old rivalry," said M B Raol, inspector of Odhav police station.
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(1} --- shows that IPS, judges and Modi have blessed the gangsters
{2} ---- Is this IPS or some NGO speaking?
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http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Citi ... 821153.cms
Beware, 'fracture gang' on prowl
10 Jan 2008
AHMEDABAD
Mangal Punjabi, 27, is son of a factory worker, jobless and booked in seven cases of extortion and criminal intimidation. Munno Tiwari is 25, son of a small factory owner, has three such cases against him. Meet Ahmedabad's newest gang - the 'Fracture gang' derived from the Sanjay Dutt blockbuster 'Vaastav' because they end up breaking bones of their victims, or simply stabbing them.
Punjabi and Tiwari are the only two members of this gang who have been arrested. The rest continue to terrorise areas like Odhav in the city.
Local residents call them 'lukkhas' or goons. Sporting tikas, they come on bikes and strike a prospering trader - threaten him, beat him, extort money and zoom off - in less than three minutes.
Traders in Odhav are terrorised more because the gang seems to have a deep nexus with the police, who are unable to nip the gang in the bud.
The gangsters have specific roles. Tiwari is an intelligence gatherer while Punjabi intimidates and extorts money. Then come the assaulters. Each bike rides three gang members.
Two threaten and beat up the victim while the third keeps the engine running for a quick getaway.
Proof of the gang's clout is that at least three junior cops got transferred when they tried to check them. {1}
"They strike in the evening and demand bikes, mobile phones, money or eviction of property. If refused they attack with swords, knives and metal pipes," said Nanji Thakkar, owner of an industrial machine tools factory who was asked to pay up Rs 20,000. When he denied, the gang members stabbed him in the stomach and chest. He claims that police refused to register his complaint.
"We have got 24 names of the gang members and we will give these to the police," said Janak Patel, a member of Odhav Traders' Association.
Patel said: "They generally sport a red tika on forehead and demand protection money. Owner of a private finance agency in Odhav supported them and bought them 20 new bikes without number plates."
Odhav police officials, however, shrug off the 'gang' tag. "These are goons and unemployed youth. Branding them as a gang is a bit far-fetched. {2} The incidents of extortion have no specific modus operandi. Some blackmail factory owners, but mainly because of old rivalry," said M B Raol, inspector of Odhav police station.
---------------
(1} --- shows that IPS, judges and Modi have blessed the gangsters
{2} ---- Is this IPS or some NGO speaking?
Book Review from Pioneer, 7 Feb. 2008
Babus no less to blame
KS Subramaniam fails to touch the problem of committed bureaucracy and a corrupt political leadership, says EN Rammohan
Political Violence and the Police in India
Author: KS Subramaniam
Publisher: Sage
Price: Rs 350
This is a well documented study of the way different Governments in India have dealt with governance with respect to the Maoist problem, violence against the Scheduled Castes and also the handling of the insurgency in the North-East. There is also a chapter on the post-Godhra violence in Gujarat in 2001. The author has also written chapters on the Indian police system, the Intelligence Bureau and the Central paramilitary forces.
KS Subramaniam is well suited to write on these subjects. He has worked as Director, the Research and Policy Division (the Home Ministry), where he has had an opportunity to study the problem of the Scheduled Castes and tribes in mainland India. He has also worked in the Centre for Contemporary Studies in the Nehru Memorial Library, where he had a chance to study the impact of development on the Scheduled Castes and Tribes. He has also worked in the Intelligence Bureau.
The author has quoted extensively from official reports and related documents describing the incidents of violence in the first chapter, 'Political Violence and the State Response'. He has also quoted from those who have studied individual incidents of violence. It makes a good documentation, but there is no analysis of the causes of major incidents of violence and the responsibility of the state in failing to prevent or even control it before it has done damage in the form of lives lost and property destroyed. In all societies some form of violence will take place at some time or the other. What is to be catalogued is the failure of the state to curb violence, thanks to wrong approaches and decisions by political leaders. There are, for example, several instances in which people resort to violence mainly due to wrong decisions by political leaders. The role of the bureaucracy in such instances is important. The book, however, fails to question the role of babus.
In the chapter on the Indian Police System and the Intelligence Bureau, the subversion caused by the politicians -- one of the major causes of violence in society -- has not been examined by the author. In Uttar Pradesh, the police, particularly the State paramilitary force (the Pradeshik Armed Constabulary), has a reputation of taking an anti-minority stance during peace-keeping operations. What is the role of the politicians in this? The BJP has been thoroughly criticised for its failure to protect the demolition of the Babri Masjid. But when a 'secular' party like the Congress was in power, how did the PAC become a pro-Hindu and anti-Muslim force? This needs to be examined.
Similarly, in the handling of the Maoist problem, the author writes about the work of the Research and Policy Division and how the facts of exploitation of the Scheduled Castes and Tribes brought out by it were not applied by the Home Ministry. Why were the recommendations of this division not applied by the Home Ministry and the division itself wound up? For example, the root cause of the Maoist problem in the agrarian areas is the lack of enforcement of the land ceiling laws legislated in the 1950s. What prevented the bureaucrats from implementing these laws? Both in Andhra Pradesh and Bihar it is the lack of implementation of the land ceiling that has led to the Maoist problem. In Kerala the CPI, enacted land tenancy laws in their first Government of 1957. This led to tenant farmers getting ownership of land. No wonder the CPI(ML) failed to spread its tentacles in Kerala.
Subramaniam's' book is well documented and well written. It is, however, not incisive and does not blame the politicians and the bureaucrats for their patronage of the landlords in States like Andhra Pradesh and Bihar. A good addition to the literature of the study of the state, the police and the Intelligence Bureau, but it does not touch the core of the problem of committed bureaucracy, sycophancy and a corrupt political leadership.
-- The reviewer is former DGP, BSF, and member of National Security Advisory Board
X-posted...
We are waiting.Tanaji wrote:Just back from MBM after 3 weeks... was literally in the thick of things. Had the misfortune of getting stranded bang in the middle of the smashup that occurred between Raj Thackrey's MNS and the SP belonging to Mulayam and Azmi... The way police handled the situation was amazing! I wish I knew who the officer in charge was... such a volatile situation defused with minimal casualties. I will post a on-the-spot report if anyone is interested on the police thread. I must thank my stars I did not get subjected to a lathi charge...
As promised, here is my experience when I got caught in the fracas between Raj Thackrey's MNS and Azmi/Mulayam's SP.
A brief background is in order here: a few days ago, Raj Thackrey (nephew of Sena chief Bal Thackrey who has fallen out with him, and formed his own party called Maharashtra Nav Nirman Sena or "New Maharashtra creation party") had made adverse comments about the behaviour of some north Indians in the city. He had also made acidic remarks about Amitabh Bacchhan and his love for UP inspite of having gained fame in Mumbai. Much before this, the SP (Samajwadi Party) had arranged a meeting at Shivaji Park in Dadar with all its top leaders ranging from Mulayam, Amar Singh, Chandrababu present. The meeting was to ostensibly celebrate UP day and launch Jago India campaign
I was planning on visiting some friends that morning that live near Dadar area in Mumbai. The area in question where the events took place can be viewed here . Shivaji Park is bounded on the West by Arabian Sea, and on the South East is Dadar, and more importantly Sena Bhavan and also the main office of the MNS. Most critically, Raj Thackrey himself lives (or at least has one of the residences) a few minutes walk from Shivaji Park. When I reached Sena Bhavan (intersection of Gokhale Road and Lady Jamshetji Marg on map) on Sunday 3 Feb afternoon, you could tell something was amiss. People were hanging around in clumps, and there was tension in the air. The SP meeting was supposed to be around 5-6 pm and SP supporters were going in groups towards Shivaji Park using N.C Kelkar road, one of the main access roads to it. Shops were closed, on enquiring with the hangers-on it was supposedly due to some stone throwing that occured earlier during the day. Suddenly without warning a group of (what I perceived to be) MNS workers came out of a side lane and started slapping a SP supporter that was carrying some sort of the placards, the SP guys friends intervened but them some more joined it and it was a free for all... I didnt stick around to see the result and hot legged it out of there. I was trying to get to Shivaji Park, but these incidents were now being repeated: sudden random attacks.. nothign serious: a few slaps, a kick here and there and then they would be off. The exception was near Sena Bhavan where there was a large congregation of MNS workers and also near Senapati Bapat statue (confluence of REge Marg, Ranade Marg and Parelkar Marg in map) near Shivaji Park where the MNS workers were holding their ground. Police were around (there is always a picket at Sena Bhavan, but they didnt seem to be doing anything)
Now things were getting hotter since SP workers were steadily arriving for the meeting. Seeing this, additional local police arrived in 2 vans. The first thing they did was to try and separate the 2 warring parties: they essentially blocked much of NC Kelkar road for getting access towards Shivaji Park. This had the effect of splitting the MNS supporters into 2 groups that couldnt supplement each other. One group was around the statue and the other dispersed between Sena Bhavan / Plaza. This immediately had the effect of reducing the trouble making potential since by personal experience, mobs feed on each other trying to one up each other. Still the situation was volatile: SP workers were now around 15000 odd, while the MNS side was around 1500 combined in 2 groups. Slapping and kicking was still going on. There was the odd smashing of taxi windows here and there. I thought if a lathi charge occured right now, it would be disaster: the mob would be inflamed more and since more and more people were coming in from the east and the north and the MNS people will pounce on them in their anger. Wisely nothing of this sort happened. Instead, the police threw a massive cordon around the 2 groups of MNS workers and blocked off all exit points, no one could get into Shivaji Park. There was some construction going on in Shivaji Park area that had a heap of bricks lying about. Immediately a small posse was sent to secure that to prevent those being used as missiles. Then the police slowly started tightening the cordon while keeping the end farthest from Shivaji Park open to allow people to escape. This had the effect of reducing available man power to the MNS side. At the same time whenever the SP supporters started raising taunting slogans, they were swiftly dealt with. At around 8 pm or so, the issue was mostly resolved...
The police action was commendable at various levels:
I wonder who the police officer controlling this was. Kudos for a job well done with minimal casualties and defusing what could have easily spiralled out of control with serious results for everyone.
A brief background is in order here: a few days ago, Raj Thackrey (nephew of Sena chief Bal Thackrey who has fallen out with him, and formed his own party called Maharashtra Nav Nirman Sena or "New Maharashtra creation party") had made adverse comments about the behaviour of some north Indians in the city. He had also made acidic remarks about Amitabh Bacchhan and his love for UP inspite of having gained fame in Mumbai. Much before this, the SP (Samajwadi Party) had arranged a meeting at Shivaji Park in Dadar with all its top leaders ranging from Mulayam, Amar Singh, Chandrababu present. The meeting was to ostensibly celebrate UP day and launch Jago India campaign
I was planning on visiting some friends that morning that live near Dadar area in Mumbai. The area in question where the events took place can be viewed here . Shivaji Park is bounded on the West by Arabian Sea, and on the South East is Dadar, and more importantly Sena Bhavan and also the main office of the MNS. Most critically, Raj Thackrey himself lives (or at least has one of the residences) a few minutes walk from Shivaji Park. When I reached Sena Bhavan (intersection of Gokhale Road and Lady Jamshetji Marg on map) on Sunday 3 Feb afternoon, you could tell something was amiss. People were hanging around in clumps, and there was tension in the air. The SP meeting was supposed to be around 5-6 pm and SP supporters were going in groups towards Shivaji Park using N.C Kelkar road, one of the main access roads to it. Shops were closed, on enquiring with the hangers-on it was supposedly due to some stone throwing that occured earlier during the day. Suddenly without warning a group of (what I perceived to be) MNS workers came out of a side lane and started slapping a SP supporter that was carrying some sort of the placards, the SP guys friends intervened but them some more joined it and it was a free for all... I didnt stick around to see the result and hot legged it out of there. I was trying to get to Shivaji Park, but these incidents were now being repeated: sudden random attacks.. nothign serious: a few slaps, a kick here and there and then they would be off. The exception was near Sena Bhavan where there was a large congregation of MNS workers and also near Senapati Bapat statue (confluence of REge Marg, Ranade Marg and Parelkar Marg in map) near Shivaji Park where the MNS workers were holding their ground. Police were around (there is always a picket at Sena Bhavan, but they didnt seem to be doing anything)
Now things were getting hotter since SP workers were steadily arriving for the meeting. Seeing this, additional local police arrived in 2 vans. The first thing they did was to try and separate the 2 warring parties: they essentially blocked much of NC Kelkar road for getting access towards Shivaji Park. This had the effect of splitting the MNS supporters into 2 groups that couldnt supplement each other. One group was around the statue and the other dispersed between Sena Bhavan / Plaza. This immediately had the effect of reducing the trouble making potential since by personal experience, mobs feed on each other trying to one up each other. Still the situation was volatile: SP workers were now around 15000 odd, while the MNS side was around 1500 combined in 2 groups. Slapping and kicking was still going on. There was the odd smashing of taxi windows here and there. I thought if a lathi charge occured right now, it would be disaster: the mob would be inflamed more and since more and more people were coming in from the east and the north and the MNS people will pounce on them in their anger. Wisely nothing of this sort happened. Instead, the police threw a massive cordon around the 2 groups of MNS workers and blocked off all exit points, no one could get into Shivaji Park. There was some construction going on in Shivaji Park area that had a heap of bricks lying about. Immediately a small posse was sent to secure that to prevent those being used as missiles. Then the police slowly started tightening the cordon while keeping the end farthest from Shivaji Park open to allow people to escape. This had the effect of reducing available man power to the MNS side. At the same time whenever the SP supporters started raising taunting slogans, they were swiftly dealt with. At around 8 pm or so, the issue was mostly resolved...
The police action was commendable at various levels:
- They avoided brute force usage, instead used their little manpower effectively.
- Random laathi charges that would have inflamed mob anger were not done, instead an intelligent cordoning off was done.
- Overt display of police force was avoided. I was told that some units of SRP were on stand by, but were never deployed. This reduced perceived "police high handedness" by the mob
- Police immediately secured potential weapons that could be used (stones)
- Police left a release valve in the cordon to allow saving of H&D
I wonder who the police officer controlling this was. Kudos for a job well done with minimal casualties and defusing what could have easily spiralled out of control with serious results for everyone.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Indi ... 774694.cms
Given the kind of involvement & responsibilities they face...I think private industries should fund some of their operations. After all, it is only them who will ultimately benefit & society in general. I think indian police sector of services is the most lowly paid in the entire country I suppose.
Given the kind of involvement & responsibilities they face...I think private industries should fund some of their operations. After all, it is only them who will ultimately benefit & society in general. I think indian police sector of services is the most lowly paid in the entire country I suppose.
Yeah, lowly paid and overworked. And when they are forced to become puppets of politicians, they will naturally vent their anger on common folk.viveks wrote:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Indi ... 774694.cms
Given the kind of involvement & responsibilities they face...I think private industries should fund some of their operations. After all, it is only them who will ultimately benefit & society in general. I think indian police sector of services is the most lowly paid in the entire country I suppose.