Bihar DGP defends police retaliation in encounters

Bihar DGP Vinay Kumar on Friday asserted that security personnel are "sometimes forced to retaliate in self-defence" during face-offs with criminals, amid an ongoing controversy involving recent police encounters in the state.

Addressing the media at a press conference in Patna, the director general of police said that while police personnel adhere strictly to standard procedures, situations often arise during encounters where personnel are bound to respond to gunfire initiated by suspects to protect themselves and maintain law and order.

Though the DGP did not specify any individual incident, his remarks came in response to queries by journalists regarding allegations surrounding the role of police personnel in recent encounters.

His statement assumes significance in the wake of a political storm created due to the alleged encounter of Bharat Tiwari in Bilauti village of Bhojpur district two months ago.

"Wherever police excess is found, swift action is taken against officials concerned," Kumar claimed.

On the alleged use of an AK-47 rifle by police during students' protest in Siwan district on July 22, the DGP said that "the police officer concerned was suspended immediately and investigation is underway in the case".

Home Department secretary Pranav Kumar, who was also present at the press conference, said that there was a 10.1 per cent reduction in murder, a 31.32 per cent dip in dacoity, and an 18.97 per cent slump in riot cases since the beginning of this year.

He said the number of Naxalism-affected districts in the state has dropped from 22 in 2013 to zero at present.

The DGP said the emphasis of the government was not just on eradicating Naxalism, but also to build infrastructure and public facilities in the affected regions so that there is no room for resurgence.

"The Economic Offences Unit (EOU) of Bihar Police has registered 13 cases of disproportionate assets against public servants since the beginning of this year. Similarly, regarding the NEET exam paper leak, 33 accused have been arrested in four cases," Pranav Kumar said.

Altogether 1.14 lakh online complaints have been registered against cybercrimes on the NCRP portal this year, in which an amount of Rs 104 crore was frozen in suspicious accounts, Rs 9.99 crore was refunded to victims, and action on the remaining amount was underway, he added.

A total of 522 cybercriminals have been arrested this year, while 2,942 cases have been reported at cyber police stations, the secretary said.

The average response time of Dial 112 has dropped to 11 minutes, with continuous improvements underway, he said.

"'Abhaya Brigade' has been formed under the direction of the chief minister to ensure the safety of women and vulnerable groups. The state government is in the process of buying 1,500 scooters to provide greater mobility to the brigade. It will be completed soon," the official added.