SHO sent to police lines, 3 beat officers suspended

New Delhi: After the murder of Rupesh Besoya in Taimoor Nagar area on Sunday night by armed assailants, Delhi Police on Tuesday took strict action by sending Station House Officer (SHO) and Division Officer to district police lines. Three beat officers have been placed under suspension. The move followed the protests staged by local residents including the family members of the deceased, alleging that the local police was unable to control drug trafficking in the area.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (South East) Chinmoy Biswal informed that based on the preliminary findings of a vigilance inquiry conducted by Additional DCP-I (South East) Ghanshyam Bansal to look into the alleged lapses by the local police in the murder of Rupesh and resultant law and order problem, SHO Sushil Kumar and Division Officer sub-inspector Rajender have been sent to District Lines and beat policemen head constable Ajay, constable Surender and constable Hari Chand have been placed under suspension.

Police said that the initial investigation suggested negligence on the part of local policemen in the incident. The probe also revealed laxity in the investigation into allegations of drug trafficking levelled by the residents of the area.

"We are conducting a detailed inquiry in the case," said the DCP. The investigating agency also raiding different parts of the city to nab the accused and questioning is going on with persons having criminal background in the area. Police sources claimed that one of them told the investigators that he had not seen the accused in earlier the area. "We will crack the case soon. Some leads are there and investigators are working on them," said the police officer.

The Delhi Police maintained their presence in Taimoor Nagar area on Tuesday where the incident took place. The family members claimed that they have five demands from the government which includes the arrest of the accused, removal of drug traffickers from the area, compensation to the family and education, job to the children of the deceased.

Rupesh's brother Umesh claimed that a Member of Parliament met him regarding the incident. "After the incident, we caught two-three drug addicts and handed over to police," said Umesh.

The murder took place on Sunday when Rupesh was playing with his children. Two persons including one waving gun, shot him dead and fled the spot. The residents protested against the killing and halted the traffic for more than one hour on Monday.

Fight against drug trafficking will continue, says Umesh

New Delhi: "I lost my brother but will not stop fighting against the crime in my locality," said Umesh, brother of Rupesh who was shot dead by an armed assailant in Taimoor Nagar area on Sunday night.

The family of the deceased also claimed that in coming days there will be a Mahapanchyat in the area regarding the incident where villagers from more than 350 villages in Delhi-NCR will participate.

Holding Rupesh's photo in his hand, Umesh told the Millennium Post that he and his brother were born and brought up in the safe environment in Taimoor Nagar but now the family feels a sense of insecurity.

Increase in the crime is due to drug supply which is the reason behind the present situation, he said.

"In last three to four years, due to drug supply in the locality residents are affected and I lost my brother who was against all illegal activities in the area but I will continue to fight against crime," said Umesh. Tears rolled down from his eyes when he said that the condition of Rupesh's wife and children is deteriorating.

Umesh and other residents has been complaining to the local police since 2017 regarding the sale of drugs in the area. "People visit nearby areas to consume drugs through our village. They also use abusive language. Children are getting affected. In the night, some people roam in the village with arms and to satisfy their drug addiction, they commit crime. We are fearing that there will be some untoward incident," reads one complaint copy of August 2018 which was submitted by Umesh.

Talking about his plans, he claimed that there will be public-meeting (maha-panchayat) on October 6 regarding the incident.

"Senior villagers will discuss on the police role in the case as well as the problem in the locality. Further action will be taken after the meeting. We are quiet but not for a long time if proper action is not taken," added Umesh.