OPINION: Police lost its image of friendly relations with common man

The Delhi police is under controversy to deal with the rape cases especially with the recent incident of gang rape in which the victim, who has now been flown to Singapore for medical treatment. 

Earlier the issue was raised about the law and order situation in Delhi and safety of people and now the controversy is going, the way the Delhi Police dealt with the protesters at India Gate.  Another issue has cropped up with the death of Subhash Chander Tomar.  According to Delhi Police, Tomar was beaten by the agitators with which he fell down on the ground and died in the hospital.  Now another cause of death is reported to be heart attack.  The Delhi police arrested eight persons in connection with the beating of Tomar and case of attempt to murder was registered.  But the witnesses are deposing that none has beaten him and he fell down at his own.  As per the report of Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Tomar has died due to heart attack and investigation has been given to the Crime Branch.

Now the women activists have come up with a demand on five  point focus  – first, removal of police commissioner, second, fast tracking one lakh pending rape cases across the country in 100 days, third, registration of all FIRs on rape cases, fourth, consultation with women’s organisation before calling Parliament session and fifth, expansion of safe public transport for women.

The agitation cold have been avoided, had any political leader dared to face the protesters if the protocol does not demand the visit of Home Minister.  The youths could have been tackled with the dialogue.  But the police have established that they believe in the use of lathis and the slogan of “Aap Ke Saath, Aap Ke Liye” is hollow.  In the modern society, the police is not a weapon of power rather a friend and supporter of a common man and training is given to solve the issues of law and order through dialogue. 

The little trust and hope between the Delhi Public-Police relations have weaken.  The truth will come on surface only after the detailed investigation but in case the relations are based on hope, then no space is left for rumours, misunderstanding or misconception.

(Disclaimer: The views expressed by the author in this article are his own and do not necessarily reflect the views of City Air News.)