Women safety priority for new DGP

Bhartesh Singh Thakur

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 21

Manoj Yadava, an IPS Officer of the 1988 batch, on Thursday took charge as the Director General of Police, Haryana, at the state Police Headquarters.

Before assuming the charge of office from the officiating DGP, KP Singh, Yadava was given a Guard of Honour, an official said. The newly appointed DGP said maintaining law and order, effective prevention and detection of crime, better investigation, providing safe and secure environment to women and also to weaker sections of society would be among his priorities.

He said the Lok Sabha elections were round the corner, hence he would ensure all necessary arrangements were in place for free, fair and peaceful elections.

On the highest incidence of gangrape in Haryana in the country, as per the NCRB, he said: “I can’t give a specific answer. Social consciousness has increased after the Nirbhaya case. The problem which used to remain hidden is now coming out. It is a good thing that when crime is reported, people get arrested. The police are encouraging people to come forward to file complaints.”

He added, “We will make women stronger so that no one can dare touch their dignity.”

Yadava said that a proposal of the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) had been under government’s consideration. “Terrorism has no boundaries. Quick Reaction Teams are under the government’s consideration. We have to secure populated areas, malls and multiplexes,” he added.

He pointed out that Haryana was closer to Delhi and they had to be prepared to foil any attack. “We will acquire new weapons, train the personnel and conduct mock drills,” he said.

Hailing from UP, Yadava, who left the state as SP 16 years ago, returned as DGP today. He remained in the IB all these years. “Haryana is my home. I have remained in touch with top officers. I have never felt that I have been away,” said the DGP.

On the failure of the police to tackle the Jat agitation in 2016 and Dera followers’ riots in 2017, he said: “Sometimes, some shortcomings remain. We are a learning force.”