Hyderabad: Netas’ interference diluting respect for law – Ex-top cop

Hyderabad: Former director-general of police of united Andhra Pradesh Noel Swaranjit Sen says the police are outnumbered when compared with the population. “They can’t be everywhere,” he said when asked about the series of murders in full public view.

“The main problem is there is no fear of police or judiciary — it has failed so badly that a person is sure that he can commit a crime and get away with it,” Mr Sen said.

He felt that the police are also manipulated. “One of the most important reasons is political influence in the functioning of the police department. People should fear to commit crime in broad daylight. The attitude of the judiciary and the police bosses should also change.”

Mr Sen added that the main cause of concern is hiring of killers. “There should be more surveillance on such hired assassins and (police must) keep a tabs on their activities. It is where policemen are failing. Another disturbing fact is misuse of policemen in the name of providing security to VIPs — they have become paid chowkidars,” he said.

A police official said, “Earlier there used to be frequent foot patrolling which was part of area domination exercise. Besides, frequent random cordon and search operations used to be taken up across the city which sent across a stern message to wrong doers and helped in prevention of crime. In the absence of such measures, offences are bound to increase.”

Punjagutta police station in whose jurisdiction two murders took place during the busy hours, was one of the first to have bicycle patrolling. A bicycle patrol is meant to increase visibility as well as mobility in narrow lanes and streets that patrol cars cannot navigate.

Recently, Hyderabad police commissioner Anjani Kumar interacted with 122 patrol vehicle officers of the city police and issued appreciation letters to those who excelled in various duties, among them the patrolling staff of three police stations under whose jurisdiction the murders took place — Punjagutta,  Kalapather and SR Nagar.

Senior police officials claim that on an average the police reach the spot within seven minutes. During the last year, patrol cars attended 1,96,206 emergency calls and the daily average movement was 14,000 km.

A police official said, "If you look closely at the incidents, it is evident that there is no fear in the accused. Many are taking advantage of the 'friendly policing'."

Lack of staff, decrease in cordon and search operations and area domination exercises are also said to be some of the reasons for the brazenness with which crimes are committed.