Delhi Police to seek MHA’s view before replying to AAP govt

Delhi Police will seek view of the Union Home Ministry before responding to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s directive on furnishing key operation details like transfer and posting policy and information about the personnel who have exceeded their tenure in various posts.

The force is also open to the idea of installation of Closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras inside police stations as many of them already have this mechanism as sought by the Kejriwal government to deal with complaints of non-registration of FIRs.

“We would also be happy to provide a list of dark spots which could be potential places of crime against women so that they can be illuminated. But when it comes to policy matters which are governed by the Centre, we will seek Home Ministry’s advice on the entire issue,” top sources in Delhi Police said.

The AAP government has been demanding handing over of Delhi Police to it to improve law and order situation in the city. Currently, Police functions under direct administrative control of the Home Ministry.

In a letter to Delhi Police Commissioner B S Bassi, the Chief Minister’s Office also asked him to provide details of officers serving in various posts despite completing their tenure.

The government said it wanted to install CCTV cameras in the police stations as it regularly receives large number of public complaints about non-registration of FIRs and expressed readiness to bear the cost of the project.

In the letter, the government sought some key details including the transfer and posting policy. Bassi was also asked to send government list of all Staion House Officer (SHOs) and inspectors in city, including their dates of posting in present positions.

“Delhi Police is also requested to send a list of dark spots, which could be potential places of crime against women, to ensure immediate illumination. It is desired that CCTV cameras be installed in all police stations and Delhi government is ready to bear the cost,” the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said in a statement on Friday.