Like several other occasions in the recent past, the gang-rape incident of December 16 cast its shadow on the 66 Raising Day celebrations of Delhi Police here on Saturday with both Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde and Delhi Police Commissioner Neeraj Kumar reiterating their commitment to ensuring that such incidents do not happen in future.
Although he patted the Delhi Police on their back for solving the case in less than 24 hours, Mr. Shinde, who was the chief guest at the function held at Kingsway Camp Parade Ground, said such heinous acts have no place in a civilised society.
Mr. Shinde congratulated the Delhi Police for its achievements in the past year making a special mention of its successes against terrorist activities. Recalling that the Pune bomb blasts took place on the same day he assumed charge as the Home Minister, Mr. Shinde lauded the Delhi Police for successfully cracking the case by busting Indian Mujahideen’s terror module.
A former policeman himself, Mr. Shinde said the real success of the police lies in creating an atmosphere where citizens can approach the police without any hesitation or fear and in turn can be optimistic about the force’s sincerity to redress any wrongdoing or injustice against them.
Earlier, several contingents of the Delhi Police put up a disciplined show before the chief guest who inspected the guard of honour.
For his part, Mr. Kumar thanked the Home Minister and the Government for reposing faith and instilling confidence in him and his force in the immediate aftermath of the gang-rape when public opinion had turned against the Delhi Police.
Mr. Kumar also announced the formation of Delhi Police Martyrs’ Fund using which the next of kin of the policemen who lose their lives while on duty would be given a compensation of Rs.10 lakh each and scholarships would be provided to their children. Fort this, all officers and other staff members of the Delhi Police would contribute their one day’s salary.
Following the parade, Mr. Shinde gave away medals to several policemen including Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) S.B.K. Singh, Joint Commissioner of Police (Security) D. P. Verma, Additional Commissioners of Police of New Delhi and South East Delhi districts K. C. Dwivedi and Ajay Chaudhry for their services.
Although clouds hovered around throughout, there was a drizzle while Mr. Shinde was delivering his speech. As a result some policemen held the pillars of the tent under which Mr. Shinde and Mr. Kumar were standing to prevent it from collapsing. Taking a note of the situation, Mr. Shinde said it was akin to the adverse situations often faced by policemen and they have to make sure that they always deliver overcoming any challenge whatsoever.
Union Minister of State for Home R.P.N. Singh and several former police officers were also present at the parade.
