Terming the arrest of two Al-Qaeda operatives on Sunday as a major breakthrough,
To begin with, your comments on busting of the Al-Qaeda module in Lucknow. What is the extent to which the module in question has been exposed?
The Al-Qaeda module was busted on the basis of actionable intelligence that we had gathered and worked upon for days. So far, we have only been able to act on barely 30% of the information gathered. Around 70% work needs to be done before we can say that this particular module has been taken care of. Often, the fact that like the Mumbai terror attack, live telecast of such operations by the media takes its toll on the progress of the operation itself and at times benefits the accused more than the police.
What are the preparations for Kanwar Yatra in UP?
Preparations are underway to ensure a peaceful and safe atmosphere for Kanwar Yatra as announced by our Chief Minister. Our focus is to ensure that Covid-19 protocols are strictly followed by those participating in the Yatra. We are talking to associations which organise such yatras at the district-level to identify and shortlist genuine individuals or groups (those who have taken some vow) willing to take part in the Kanwar Yatra and discourage those who participate for the fun of it. We are also in touch with the adjoining states as well on the issue.
How do you look at the Vidhan Sabha polls in 2022?
The upcoming Vidhan Sabha polls will be a big challenge and we have already started preparations for it. We are confident that we will be able to conduct the elections in a free and fair manner.
What is one thing that you like the most about the UP Police in terms of policing and the one that you would like to change?
I have been associated with the organisation for more than 30 years. I have had the experience of working in several districts, ranges and zones and also in organisations like EOW and Intelligence. What I can say for sure is that there have been many crisis situations but UP Police has always risen to the occasion. Our constabulary is the best in the country which is the hallmark of this force. Use of technology is already increasing in terms of offering services to the people and in many areas, advancement and utilization of technology by our young officers is benefitting people.
Any area of policing that you would like to address?
I have already communicated to the department down the line that police-public connect is one thing that needs to be addressed. The district police chiefs should be more accessible and the same goes for officers up to the police station in charge. It helps in better flow of information which in turn helps in policing. Another equally important element is addressing what is described as ‘petty crime’ which affects a large section of the society. Incidents like minor disputes between neighbours, thefts, burglaries and eve-teasing, if addressed promptly, go a long way in sending across the message to the people that rule of law is being enforced.
What according to you is one major change that the world of crime has undergone in the last few years and how do you plan to deal with it?
Use of technology is growing rapidly. E-commerce is growing in leaps and bounds and so is cybercrime. Like normal crimes, even many cybercrimes are not reported. In a normal robbery, one is deprived of what one is carrying. But what often makes cybercrime more heinous is that a target can be robbed of his entire savings by single click. This makes the crime more damaging for the victim. This is one crime that takes its toll on everyone, irrespective of one’s social or financial status. Before I left for central deputation, we had one cyber police station each in Lucknow and Noida. Now 18 districts have such units. I would like to see one in every district.
In the last one-and-a-half years, police commissioner system has been introduced in four districts. Do you think there is a need for a similar system in other major cities?
Introduction of police commissioner system in UP came late as compared to other major cities across the country. But I must congratulate the state government for introducing it in UP. Policing in such a system is tried and tested. It is for the people to assess the performance of officials in these four districts and decide if it has worked or not. I am sure if the positive changes of such a system are visible, the government will surely introduce it in more districts.
What is your message to the force from bottom to the top? Of late, the state has witnessed cases of corruption by IPS officers like Manilal Patidar and Abhishek Dixit.
I will not like to take any names but I believe IPS officers must set the standards for their subordinates. For an officer it is not only necessary to be clean and fair but has to look clean and fair as well. Today, because of social media, no one can hide anything.
