Vigilance unit: Only six cases filed against cops last year

Prateek Chauhan

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 16

In the vigilance unit of Delhi Police, only six cases were registered against the six police personnel in 2016, whereas dozens of complaints were received.

It is to be noted that in 2016, complaints were received against three DCPs and a few senior cops and DANIPS, but no case was registered against them. In the report submitted by a senior vigilance official to the Police Commissioner, he has stated that many complaints were found to be without any evidence and that’s the reason no case was registered against them.

In case of registration of six cases in 2016, it is presumed that the police personnel are less involved in corruption. It is different that after demonetisation, more than a dozen police personnel were framed in money-laundering cases.

Two years ago, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal during the oath-taking ceremony at Ramlila Grounds made an appeal to the public that in case any police person asked for bribe, "Do not refuse it, just press the button of the mobile and record the conversation of the police taking bribe. Later, hand over the recording to the government. The Delhi Government Anti-Corruption Branch would register a case against such police persons and arrest them," the Chief Minister had appealed.

The appeal caused a panic amongst the senior police officials. After the formation of AAP government, the Police Commissioner used to give instruction in the department meetings that any police personnel taking bribe would not be spared, and soon a notification was issued by the Central Government that the right of registration of a case against the police, NDMC, and DDA official employees would be with the Delhi Police only.

On the issue, there had been a confrontation for many months between the Delhi Government and Delhi Police. Later, the Delhi Police removed the vigilance unit from the police headquarters to Barakhamba Police Station premises. In this unit, as a head one special commissioner-level official was appointed. Under him joint commissioner, DCP, and Additional DCP were appointed and one dozen inspectors were also appointed.

In 2016, complaints were received against six constables in which evidence of corruption was found and action taken. These complaints were lodged by the common people by contacting the vigilance department.

The Delhi Government did not lodge any complaint against police personnel either.