Facing the heat of criticism on law and order front, the Uttar Pradesh Government on Sunday directed district police chiefs and local administration to step-up patrolling, evolve an effective information network to curb crime incidents, to take strict measures against the mining mafias, conduct surprise checks from time to time and to take other steps to curb crime.
“Crime and criminals should be tackled effectively. The Government has a ‘zero tolerance policy’ on corruption. So the district police and administration should work jointly in this direction. They should identify the criminals and initiate strict action,” principal secretary (home) Arvind Kumar said.
He along with DGP UP Sulkhan Singh was discussing on the state of law and order in UP through video conferencing. He told that an FIR should be registered in sensitive cases of crime and the media should be informed about the action taken in this connection. During the meeting, the officers were asked to identify criminals and act against them.
Kumar said that in line with the zero tolerance policy of the State Government on issues of corruption, the district administration and police should immediately act on complaints by people.
“A joint team of magistrate and deputy SP should act on such complaints,” he said.
He directed officials to keep an eye on rumour mongers and effectively use social media for the purpose. He also suggested roping in volunteers.
Commissioner and secretary revenue, leena Johari briefed about the action taken by anti-land mafia task force, which had been directed to ensure that “unbiased action” is taken “irrespective of the clout” of the offender.
“If the land of any poor person is being grabbed, police and administration should initiate strict action,” the principal secretary said.
The officials were also directed to initiate strict action against the mining mafia.
The DGP in his address emphasised on foot patrolling of police force to generate confidence among people by increasing interaction with them. He also suggested improving the functioning of ‘UP 100’ helpline.
He said crime can be curbed by intensifying foot patrolling and by establishing a dialogue with the common men.
Several incidents of violence and crime have taken place in the State since the new Government was formed and Opposition parties have been attacking the Government by raking up these issues. In the recent past, Saharanpur witnessed caste clashes, while in Bulandshahar, a Muslim man was beaten to death over the alleged kidnapping of Hindu girl. Also, in Rampur a group of eve-teasers had harassed two girls who had gone for an outing.
In Mathura, two jewelers were shot dead inside their shop leading to state-wide protests, while in Sitapur three members of a businessman’s family were shot dead recently.
Opposition parties SP, Congress and BSP have been attacking the State Government on the law and order front while pointing to recent incidents including in Saharanpur, Bulandshahar, Mathura and Sitapur.