 Mumbai Police Commissioner A N RoyTwo rape cases involving policemen in two days and policemen are back in the dock for misbehaviour and abuse of authority.
In fact the latest incidents add up to six cases of rape or molestation, in as many months, in the region.
Understandably, Mumbai Police Commissioner A N Roy has a lot to explain.
Roy says he is shocked, and disappointed at the behaviour of some of his men and he has promised the sternest possible action against those who have tarnished the image of the police.
But the police commissioner has also pleaded that such incidents must not be generalized to the entire force.
Here are excerpts from a conversation with A N Roy over telephone on Wednesday morning.
How do you defend charges of rape, molestation against six of your men in six months ?
I am not here to defend individuals who disrespect professional ethics.
I am shocked, disappointed at the behaviour of some of our men. I assure the sternest possible action against delinquents who tarnish polices image through professional misconduct.
Over the past one year I have suspended more than 200 personnel under section 311 of the Indian Penal Code and we will continue doing so.
Does the police administration own up responsibility for the black sheep in the force ?
Yes. But then such stray acts of misdeed must not be generalized to the entire force. They must be dealt with individually.
We have had people who have rendered great service. As I told you earlier, sternest action will be taken against the erring cops.
On the motivational side, we have regularly conducted motivational and behavioural classes with professional trainers, to mentally strengthen policemen. I have personally gone down to my men organising group yoga, detoxication and distressing classes.
We need to keep a constant vigil on those taking to alcohol and other toxins. What assurance would you like to give the people ? People have lost faith in you ?
The police force is committed to serve the masses in its best possible capacity. There is no reason for the people to lose faith in us. The entire force must not be held accountable for the actions of a few.
There are allegations that lack of money, stressful work hours and unbridled powers have corroded the force ? What is your take ?
I do not subscribe to the view. Lack of money or stressful work hours do not justify corruption.
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