The Delhi Government, which has been regularly attacking the city police since the December 16 gang-rape, has come out in its defence this time, saying crime rate in the National Capital is much lower than many BJP-ruled States.
During a debate on deteriorating law and order, Health Minister AK Walia came out with statistics to refute BJP's allegation that Delhi has become the crime capital of the country.
"During 2011, 543 cases of murder were registered in Delhi, whereas in Madhya Pradesh, the figure was 2,511. In Bihar, it was 3,198, Gujarat 1,126 and Chhattisgarh 1,110. Similarly, cases of rape per lakh population were 5.3 in Bhopal, 5 in Jabalpur, 4.4 in Gwalior, 4.2 in Indore, 3.8 in Faridabad and 2.8 in Delhi," he said.
Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, who was supposed to reply to the debate, could not do so as she was not well.
BJP legislators vociferously protested comparing the crime rate in Delhi with that of States ruled by it. The BJP accused the city Government of "trivializing" a serious issue. "How can you compare statistics of large States like Bihar and Madhya Pradesh with that of DelhiIJ The Government is not serious about ensuring safety of women in Delhi," said senior BJP leader VK Malhotra. The Opposition BJP members staged a walkout from the House against Walia's reply.
Walia, though, admitted that police indulge in non-policing activities such as unauthorised constructions and that there is a strong nexus between building mafia, local councillors and the police, which needs to be checked.
"The Government will continue to impress upon the Police Commissioner to intensify its efforts in inculcating sense of security among people, including women. Under the new Section 66A of IPC, non-registration of women's complaints has been made punishable," he added.
Walia expressed hope that Delhi Police would work sincerely to bring improvement in the present situation, which is fast becoming a cause for concern for elected representatives.
Initiating a short duration discussion on the law and order, leader of Opposition Malhotra criticised the Police Commissioner's statement that Delhi Police should be under control of the Central Government.