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Thursday, December 27, 2012

Delhi Gang Rape


Horrific Crime; Horrific Police!

Karan Kharb

The gang rape of a hapless girl that took Delhi and rest of the country by storm last week will not be the last. At least, that is what the Delhi Police and those who manage this ‘People’s Security Force’ are telling us. Otherwise, why would they beat innocent people out exercising their constitutional right to peacefully protest against heinous crimes against women? Mr Neeraj Kumar, Commissioner Delhi Police, seemed to be working overtime to not only protect the delinquents in his Force but also reward them for their inefficiency and callousness! The primary role of Police in a democracy is to ensure safety and security of the people. Painfully, however, the people are scared more of police than criminals, and go to lodge complaints only when there is no other way out.  Most people either reconcile with their fate or prefer to settle their score with the culprits by direct means. 

Why has the Police lost faith of the people? Why has the friend become our most dreaded foe? The answer is now provided by Commissioner Delhi Police in the following manner:-

1.      ‘Facts against the Will of the Police NOT accepted’: The death of a constable during the recent anti-rape protests at Rajpath, has been shamelessly traded to cast blame on the innocent protesters who actually gave an excellent example of concerned and responsible citizenship by rushing to help the ailing constable.  The facts are: a) they first tried to revive him; b) then tehy rushed him to the RML Hospital; c) where he was diagnosed and treated for cardiac arrest; d) to which he finally succumbed as per the hospital announcement; e) which also confirmed that there were no external/internal injuries other than a minor bruise on his wrist. Strangely enough, the CP announced that the death of the constable was due to injuries suffered in the stomach, chest and neck even though the post-mortem had not yet been carried out. Even more interestingly, the post-mortem report announced later was in absolute consonance with the CP’s announcement earlier. Laws, ethics and morals can be massacred with remarkable impunity so persistently and defiantly.

2.      ‘For every sick cop dying, we want 8 Innocents tried for Murder’: Eight persons have been arrested and charged under various sections of the IPC including sec 302 (Murder). Even after the arrest, reports from the Police Headquarters said that ‘there were no eye-witnesses yet’. Why were the arrests made then? Nothing could be more explicit exhibition of how innocents can be arrested, evidence fabricated, eye-witnesses created and cases pedalled in courts leaving the victims crying and criminals smiling.

3.      ‘Judge, Magistrate, Law – all should take dictation’:  Police audacity must be marvelled. They dictated how and what the SDM designated to record statement of the victim should ask and remain within the limits laid down by the police. Forget support and protection, the victim is suffocated and intimidated to toe the line set by Police. We are living in a Police State.  The illusion of democracy is now fading.

4.      Innovative Skills to scatter Focus from the Main Issue ‘Rape’: Now, all media and people are talking about is murder that did not happen, forgetting the gory gang rape that has destroyed an innocent girl’s life (even if she survives)! Horrific crime, horrific investigation!

There was enough evidence of corruption, misdeeds and official misdemeanour on record to prosecute Mr Neeraj Kumar, Commissioner of Police, Delhi and he should not have been where he is now. In the attached Petition to the President of India, we have demanded immediate removal of the Commissioner Delhi Police from his current position in public interest.

We request all readers to please lend their support in pursuing this public Cause – a step towards cleaning up the System.   
_____________________________

Senior Citizens Group

WZ 80, Mohan Nagar

Pankha Road

New Delhi - 110046   

                                                                                                    

December 27, 2012

To,

His Excellency The President of India

Rashtrapati Bhawan

Raisina Hill, New Delhi.

 

Your Excellency,                                                                                                  

 Subject: The rot that is Delhi and national shame

We, former senior members of the All India Services and Armed Forces make this submission to you as the Head of the Republic and custodian of the Constitution.

2.            Sir, as you yourself have seen, virtually the whole country has arisen in anger and anguish against the gang-rape incident that rocked the national capital recently. Nationwide shock and outrages have been expressed over the brutal incident in which a 23 year-old girl was terribly beaten and gang-raped allegedly by six members in a moving bus in south Delhi. The young girl is desperately struggling for her life.

3.      Outpouring of anger by thousands of youngsters cutting across sections of society at Raisina Hill, where you live, and India Gate and different parts of the country has jolted the government to announce some measures to mitigate the public sentiments and outrage. This includes formation of a three-member Commission of Inquiry headed by former Chief Justice J.S. Verma that “will suggest ways to make stricter rape laws.” according to Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde. Just that and nothing more!

4.            Two days prior to these government announcements, nation saw the strange spectacle of Mr. R.K. Singh, Union Home Secretary sitting with Mr. Neeraj Kumar, Commissioner of Police of Delhi complimenting Delhi Police for outstanding work in cracking the case in no time. For lapses, no accountability was fixed by the government. We wonder why Home Secretary was openly exhibiting a mother-hen like protective approach towards the incumbent Delhi Commissioner of Police.

6.            Primary concern of governance and governments is Rule of Law, safety and protection of people, especially women and children, and upholding of their civil, political, social, economic and cultural rights and dignity.  For this purpose, it is the constitutional obligation of the State to provide professional, impartial and efficient Police Service for safeguarding the life, livelihood and dignity of the citizens.

7.            Commissioner of Police, Delhi heads one of the largest police forces in the country. Being head of the police force in the national capital, he or she should not only be an officer of unimpeachable integrity and unblemished career but also an impartial and efficient police officer having respect for human rights and dignity of the people.

8.            But, from the records and documents made available to us, we are of the considered opinion that the present Commissioner of Police, Neeraj Kumar does not fit the bill. There are many serious charges of corruption and criminalisation pending against him. Briefly mentioned these are:-

(a)   2 FIRs: Hon’ble High Court of Delhi vide two separate orders dated on 26.6.2006 had directed registration of FIRs against Mr. Neeraj Kumar for fabrication of documents during course of investigation of a case and for humiliating, torturing and harassing an innocent citizen while working in CBI as Joint Director. He managed an illegal stay from the Division Bench through Letter Patent Appeals which are not maintainable in criminal cases. This is blatant sabotage of law since  against orders on Criminal OPs in HC only remedy is SLP in Supreme Court.  

(b)  Very close links with Abhishek Verma, master scamster and notorious Arms and Hawala Dealer who has already been charged by CBI for compromising country’s security and integrity in Naval War Room Leak case and presently in judicial custody again on account of his arrest by CBI in another case booked under Official Secrets Act for illegally obtaining highly sensitive and secret defence documents and selling the same to foreign countries. As Joint Director, CBI, Neeraj Kumar had used all his power and authority to protect and shield Abhishek Verma from various stringent legal actions.

(c)   As Director General of Prisons, Neeraj Kumar was negotiating deals for purchase of arms including assault rifles with Abhishek Verma who was representing a foreign arm manufacturer and was confined in Tihar Jail. In various communications including emails sent from Tihar Jail Abhishek Verma claims that Neeraj Kumar is his personal and family friend and a lot can be achieved through him in short span of time. In the very same capacity Neeraj Kumar has reportedly extorted huge amount of money in cash from 2G scam accused lodged in Tihar Jail for providing them luxuries and facilities like AC, computers, mobiles and rich food.

(d)  There are allegations that Neeraj Kumar is reportedly holding 3 accounts in Switzerland and other tax heavens and parking huge funds in them. Account Numbers are mentioned in the complaint that gives this information. But no verification has been done.

9.            Recently Neeraj Kumar was found to be unfit for being included in the panel of officers for appointment to the post of Director of CBI by the Selection Committee headed by Chief Vigilance Commissioner on account of the above charges which he is facing.  Yet, shockingly, with same criminal and corrupt antecedents, Neeraj Kumar was earlier appointed to the sensitive post of Commissioner of Police, Delhi.

10.     Obviously, Under Neeraj Kumar’s watch, the efficiency and efficacy of police force in Delhi has come to the lowest ebb since there is an atmosphere of complete lawlessness prevailing in the capital city of Delhi and commission of heinous crimes like rapes, murders and thefts have become the order of the day. Such crimes are being committed by criminals with the active collusion and complicity of the police officers.  Most of these criminals are serial offenders and their criminal records are already with police and yet they continue committing such heinous crimes and go scot free after bribing local police or paying ‘hafta’ to them which is shared up to the top. Strangely enough, as per media reports Delhi Police identified and picked up the rape-bus from the list of hafta (bribe) givers circulating among all the Delhi traffic policemen who are in collusion with the drivers'/owners' who indulge in illegal activities.

11.     It is the horrendous rot in the system that has led to the appointment of such an abominable person to head the Delhi Police. The spontaneous outburst of public sentiment and the voices that are being raised are against such rot which has set in virtually every form of governance today. Through the voices of the protestors, the people are today demanding to be governed by a system that is just and above all, whose integrity cannot be questioned. It is this aspect that needs to be addressed seriously and sincerely. Police Commissioner’s response to all these is to intimidate the lady Magistrate recording the statement of the rape victim and slap murder charges against young protestors after letting loose worst form of violence and repression on them. There are serious doubts that the post-mortem report has been fudged! This cannot be ruled out considering the fact that Neeraj Kumar, as Joint Commissioner of Police, Delhi was involved in the controversy of ‘Ansal Plaza’ fake encounter on 4.11.2002 wherein two innocent persons were killed!

12.    We are of the considered view that the stink in Delhi Police is part of the larger ‘kleptocratic-mafia’ that seem to be running the country.  In the event we, senior citizens, request you to direct the Government of India that is in power ‘under your pleasure’ to respond to the valid posers we raise below:

(i)     How, with such horrendous ill-repute and adverse career record, Neeraj Kumar was selected and appointed to the sensitive and crucial post of Commissioner of Police, Delhi? What is the role of Union Home Secretary and Lt. Governor, Delhi in this?

(ii)   How was he selected and appointed as Joint Director of CBI and allowed to remain in that post for a record period of 9 years which is prohibited under service Rules?

(iii) Why, despite several complaints from various responsible quarters to the Prime Minister,  Home Minister, PMO, CVC and Director CBI supported by authentic records establishing Neeraj Kumar’s close proximity and relationship with notorious serial offender Abhishek Verma, no action has been initiated?

(iv)  On 25-09-2012, one Manish Aggarwal of ‘Citizens of India against Corruption’ sent a complaint to the Prime Minister giving details and specific information on the huge corruption and extortion racket indulged in by Neeraj Kumar (Annexure). Was this complaint enquired into and truth ascertained? If not why not?

(v)   What has been the role of successive PMO’s, Home Ministers, Finance Ministers and Home Secretaries and Finance Secretaries in defending and protecting this congenitally corrupt official and in appointing him to coveted posts?

(vi)  Who are the prominent politicians and bureaucrats who are patronizing Neeraj Kumar and sharing in the loot and money-laundering that he seem to be effortlessly indulging in cohort with underworld dons?

(vii)  In the midst of so much rot, corruption and laxity what purpose will the Commission constituted to “suggest ways to make stricter rape laws” serve?

Your Excellency, these are specific and pointed posers. But considering the mood of the nation it would be eminently appropriate if you as Head of the Republic should advise the political parties to seek the immediate resignation all MPs and MLAs who are presently facing proceedings in Court on criminal charges, particularly heinous ones like rape and murder. You should also direct the Government to immediately enact law/rules to implement the long-pending recommendations of the Election Commission to ban charge-sheeted politicians to contest election to any public body in future. These steps will have an electrifying effect on the psyche of the nation in general and youth in particular.

The whole nation wants an immediate answer to these posers and instant action to remedy the stink. We look forward for early action and appropriate response

 

Yours Truly,

                              

CV Narashimhan IPS (former Director, CBI)

BS Raghavan IAS                                                                    Admiral L Ramdas

SP Ambrose IAS                                                                      General VK Singh

MR Sivaraman IAS                                                                 Lt. Gen. Prakash Katoch

M.G.Devasahayam IAS                                                        Maj. Gen. Ashok Kalyan Verma

Arun Kumar IAS                                                                      Brig V. Mahalingam

M. Raman IAS                                                                          Col. Karan Kharb

Rajivan Krishnaswamy IAS                                                    Col. K. Maliappan

(Note: Signatories have been District Magistrates, Secretaries to State and Central Governments, Navy and Army Chiefs, Corps, Division and Brigade Commanders)
 
______________________________

 

CITIZENS OF INDIA AGAINST CORRUPTION                                                   ANNEXURE

A-17, Niti Bagh, New Delhi-110049

Tel: 9811032800 ; 26098582

 

September 25, 2012

 

Dr. Manmohan Singh

Prime Minister of India

7, Race Course Road,

New Delhi 110001

 

NEERAJ KUMAR'S WEALTH OF MORE THAN RS.2300 CRORES AMASSED OUT OF CORRUPT PRACTICES AND KEPT ABROAD IN SWISS BANK ACCOUNTS IN HIS AND HIS FAMILY MEMBERS NAMES

Respected Prime Minister,

Neeraj Kumar, IPS (1976-AGM UT) former Joint Director, CBI, former Director General of Tihar Jail and present Commissioner of Police, New Delhi made thousands of crores of rupees by misusing his lucrative positions and extorting huge money from innocent citizens and parking the said money in offshore havens of Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

The details of his three bank accounts in foreign banks are given below, the detailed investigation of which would reveal that he is the most corrupt police officer in the country who is already a man of more than Rs.2300 crore, out of which approximately Rs.912 crores is lying parked in the following bank accounts:

  • One SWISS Account in st. GallenKantonalbank, S1. Leonhardstrasse 25, 9001 St. Gallen, Switzerland with 32.5 Million USD and 17.45 Million CHF (SWISS Francs)

Pseudo Name: CENTPENA

Account Number: 06938761-25-62

IBAN. CH22 0078 10693876 12562

SWift Code: KBSGCH22

 

  • One Swiss Bank Account in Pnvat-und Handelsbank Zurich AG, Lowenstrasse 56, Zurich witn 57 Million USD and 15 Million CHF(Swiss Francs)

Pseudo Name:                   SANDR076

Account Number:             04403892-67 -76

IBAN:                                   CH26 0883 4044 0389 2677 6

SWIFT Code:                      PHZZCHZ1892

 

  • One Liechtenstein Bank Account in Neue Bank AG, Marktgass 20, Postfach 1533, Vaduz with 42.75 Million USD and 19.20 Million Euros

Pseudo Name:                   MKNKAK76

Account Number:             OA2365672543

IBAN:                                   Ll22 0880 20A2 3656 7254 3

SWIFT Code:                      NBANLl22152

 

These details are already with CBI and Enforcement Directorate but because of his clout in bureaucratic and political circles, he has successfully scuttled the detailed investigation into his deeds of his gross misconduct. There are already complaints made against Neeraj Kumar which are lying with Prime Minister office, Central Vigilance Commission, Central Bureau of Investigation, Enforcement Directorate and Income Tax Department but the same are languishing in the dustbins of these offices. It is indeed a pity.

The modus operandi of corrupt Neeraj Kumar to make dirty money is as follows:

While in CBI, he handled various sensitive cases. In famous Bombay Bomb Blast case, he favoured a number of accused and did not arrest them or make them accused but allowed them to go free in lieu of very big money which he collected and parked in above stated foreign bank accounts. During his tenure of 9 years in CBI (very unusual for an officer to manage posting beyond 5 years in CBI),Neeraj Kumar became a man of more than 1000 crores. He has purchased number of immovable properties including two lavish farm houses in Westend Green worth more than Rs.200 crores, one house of 460 sq.yardsin posh colony of AnandNiketan worth Rs. 40 crores, two apartments in benami names in Magnolias of DLF at Gurgaon, worth Rs. 50 crores, 10 acres of land in Ghitorni worth Rs. 150 crores and 92 acres of land on Noida Expressway worth Rs. 580 crores. All these properties are being held in benami names including one Mr. Dharamveer, Police Officer of the rank of Head Constable who has been with him for last 25 years. How can Neeraj Kumar allow such a trustworthy police officer to go out of his control in whose name he has invested dirty money of more than Rs. 1000 crores.

While in Tihar Jail, during his tenure of 2 year, as his good luck would have been, big scams in the country took place and a number of politicians including ministers and businessman were arrested and sent to Tihar Jail. For allowing 5 star living in Tihar Jail, Neeraj Kumar charged the following:

  1. Rs.5 lakhs per day from Mr. A.Raja, former Telecom Minister for 16 months i.e. 5X1GX30= Rs. 24 crores.
  2. Rs. 3 lakhs from Kanimozi for about 10 months I.e. 3X10X30=Rs. 9 crores.
  3. Rs. 5 lakhs per day Mr. Sanjay Chandra for 10 months i.e.5X10X30=Rs. 15 crores.
  4. Rs. 7 lakhs per day from Mr. ShahidBalwa and Mr. VinodGoenka for 12 months 7X 12X30=Rs. 25.2 crores.
  5. Rs.9 lakhs per day from Reliance group for their three employees for 11 months I.e. 9X11X33=Rs. 32.67 crores.
In addition to these Neeraj Kumar also extorted properties of hundreds of crores from Sanjay Chandra of Unitech Group and ShahidBalwawhich he is holding in the benami names of relatives.

As seen from above only in case of accused of 2G scam,Neeraj Kumar made money of Rs. 105 crores. Not only this, he is so clever and smart to make dirty money that he made more than 200 crores from other accused like Suresh Kalmadi, Abu Salem, Aftab Ansari and many others.

Because of his money power and clout in political circles he managed to become Commisioner Delhi Police, despite the fact that he is facing more than half a dozen criminal cases and FIRs against him including infamous fake Ansal Plaza Shootout case in November 2002 where he was behind the killing two innocent persons on the spot when he was heading post of Joint Commisioner of Police Special Cell, Delhi. He widely claims that for becoming Commissioner of Police of Delhi, he had to pay RS.100 crores to Mr. P Chidambaram, former Home Minister of India through his son Mr. Kartik Chidambaram and the meeting with him was arranged by Rajiv Shukla, now Minister in Govt. who is always pleading his case before all the authorities. Neeraj Kumar also boasts that through one Mr. Raj Ajmera a well known Wheeler Dealer in political circles and his friend Rajiv Shukla, he took Ahmed Patel, Political Advisor to Sonia Gandhi into confidence and paid Rs.100 crores to Congress Party Fund. Since then he has become a frequent visitor to his residence at late nights, and his photographs entering Patel's house no. 23, Mother Terasa Road are enclosed. In big parties, he can be seen often claiming his proximity to both Mr. Chidambaram and Mr. Ahmed Patel. He also tells that he is close to Robert Vadra, son in law of Mrs. Sonia Gandhi whom he helped out financially by clicking deals with DLF Group.

Since becoming Commissioner of Police, a new extortion racket has been headed by Neeraj Kumar whereby he identifies and buys out highly lucrative rented out properties in Delhi and bullies innocent tenants and citizens into vacating such properties. Once vacated, these properties fetches hundreds of crores of rupees which he claims to have sold out to many friends including Madhavan, Private Secretaries to Sonia Gandhi, Robert Vadra, son in law of Sonia Gandhi, Rajiv Shukla his friend of last two decades, Subodh Kant Sahai, minister in the government, one Mr. P.K. Mishra, lAS and Secretary in Ministry of Personnel. Since becoming Commisioner Police, Delhi, Neeraj Kumar has already helped his friends and family in purchasing more than 15 such properties worth more than Rs. 675 crores in Delhi. Recently, Neeraj Kumar bought a rented house of 500 sq yard in posh Vasant Vihar which after getting vacated, he sold out to Mr. Arun Jaitley for Rs. 37.5 crores. He also sold out such a property of 1000 sq yard in Greater Kailash-I to his uncle Mr. Shatrugan Sinha. Neeraj Kumar also claims before his friends that at one point of time, he had managed a 5 acre farm house in Dera Mandl, Delhi which was sold out to Mr. Kapil Sibal, the present Telecom Minister at a throw away price of Rs. 10 crores, the market value of which was more than Rs. 25 crores. He also claims that he has given a big property measuring 800 sq. yards at Shanti Niketan to Mr. Sandeep Dixit, son of Chief Minister of Delhi Sheila Dixit who had helped out in becoming Delhi Police Commissioner. He very frequently claims that he has also obliged many judges of both High Court of Delhi and Supreme Court and he can get any work done from them using his influence especially from Mr. Altamas Kabir, Chief Justice of India.

Neeraj Kumar with his close confidante head constable Dharamveer has been running another extortion racket under which every officer of the rank of SHOin Delhi has to payDharamveer a monthly sum ranging between Rs.5 lakhs to Rs. 10 lakhs. The rates are fixed and are in the common knowledge among police circles.

Neeraj Kumar with his friend Rajiv Shukla, has also been running a blackmailing racket in Delhi, whereby they not only bring top class models from Bombay and supply them to some of the top industrialists, bureaucrats and politicians but also tape them in the act. He openly boasts in parties that he has blue films of Deepak Chopra, PS to LK Advani and Mr. Madhavan, private secretary to Sonia Gandhi. Neeraj Kumar and Rajiv Shukla are also famously known to be big match fixers and made more than Rs 1200 crores together in only in the last edition of IPL. He has 12.5% equity in ITC Group held in benami names. Every day, he visits Health Club of Maurya Hotel with his family members and behaves like owner. Membership of the health club is not opened to outsiders but he being owner of the hotel, is given all comforts. Two suites/delux rooms are always kept at his disposal. This fact can be verified from the staff of the hotel and the attendants in the health club. He is also boasting that he has taken new Home Minister Mr. Sushil Shinde on his right side by paying 5 crores as the first instalment.

Neeraj Kumar is leaving no stone unturned in his ambitions to become the next CBI Director and to achieve them he claims to have already paid RS.10 crores to V Narayan Swami, MOS of Personnel Ministry and committed another Rs. 40 after his appointment' apart from committing huge fund for Congress Party He claims that he has already taken into confidence Mr. Pradeep Kumar. Chairman, CVC whom he has obliged many times during his foreign visits including the recent one in which he has arranged dollars abroad for his shopping and leisure. He has already met twice Ms. Sushma Swaraj, Leader of Opposition in last one month and assured her all CBI help to Reddy Brothers once he becomes Director CBI.

He is so confident that he will be the next CBI Director that he threw a grand party at Rajiv Shukla's farmhouse in Chattarpur in New Delhi in the first week of September, as soon as his name figured in the panel for Director CBI, and gave assurances to A.Raja, Kanimozi, Sanjay Chandra and the coal lobby that they will be set free within 6 months of him taking over as Director CBI.

This notoriously corrupt Police officer who has woven his web of illicit acts deep into the beauracratic and political centre of this nation and boasts himself to be the most powerful officer in the country, grows in power with each passinq day is a danger not only to society but also to the entire nation. It is not external threats that our nation needs protection from but such corrupt police officers who are eating away the wealth of this nation and pose a threat to the safety and welfare of its citizens.

To remain at the helm of such sensitive postings one needs the blessings of the highest of mightiest in India and Neeraj Kumar has no shortage of well wishers. The country needs some answers from the politicians and officers at the helm of affairs and we must still believe in CBI, CVC and some honest politicians to act and arrest this corrupt officer i.e. Neeraj Kumar and his corrupt friends and family members and get the money back that has been stashed away in foreign accounts by him and his family.

Thanking you,

 

            Sd/-

Manish Aggarwal

Secretary General

 

CC:         President of India, New Delhi

Chief Justice of India, Supreme Court of India, New Delhi

Chief Justice of Delhi High Court, New Delhi   & several others

 

 

 

 

Sunday, December 23, 2012


Rape, Murder, Corruption……it’s Anarchy sans Rebellion

Karan Kharb

The gang rape of a hapless girl in a bus on busy roads of India’s capital city New Delhi on December 16 is just another slap on the face of Indian Democracy. Crime in the city has become a way of life leaving citizens to fend for themselves. Before we are able to recover from one sad occurrence, a new menace is lurking to pounce. Anti-corruption crusaders had squarely accused as many as fifteen ministers of the Manmohan Singh government for corruption.  Not one of them has dared to sue the accusers for false allegation or defamation.  Nearly a third of the Lok Sabha members are facing trials for various offences including heinous crimes as serious as murder, rape, extortion, robbery, kidnapping et al; and yet it is they who make laws for us to follow! Involved so intensely in their self-serving pursuits, how can they devote time to matters like public safety, welfare and development? No wonder, rapists, kidnappers, murderers rule the roost while the law abiding citizens, especially women pray for safety and take it as a divine reward if they are back home safe at night. What an adventure!

Police: Guarding the Strong, Dumping the Hapless

Here is what public safety and security means to those who govern us. As per the details available on government portals and ministerial statements in the Parliament early this year, there is a countrywide shortfall of as many as five lakh personnel. A pan-India panorama until March 2010 had a total of 50,059 police personnel deployed for VIP protection against an authorised strength of 28,298, that is, as many as 21,761 police personnel in illegal service of the VIPs at a time when there was just one constable for a population of 761 (against the authorised strength of one policeman per 131 population).  The situation since then has grown from bad to worse as the latest state of Delhi police deployment shows.  Today in Delhi, while there is only one policeman for 364 people, there are 20 policemen per VIP, that is, a force of 8,283 dedicated to 416 VIPs. Deployment of SPG, NSG, ITBP and other para-military forces for Z series category of VIPs is in addition.  And in most cases the deployment is not to ward off any security threat (which exists only for a select few), but to add an aura of majesty to the persona of the Neta.

Malls, multiplexes, mandis, colleges, institutions, public service centres, bazars, parks, parking spaces – all have learnt to fend for themselves and have their own security guards who pose to protect them without any legal powers.  Public safety and security is the first among fundamental responsibilities of every government and a constitutional right of every citizen; otherwise, Right to Life will have no meaning.  

Rehearsed Ritual of Official Response

Most crimes pass off without evoking concern from politicians, police or judiciary. Demands and assurances on the floor of the Parliament for ‘stringent, exemplary punishment’, ‘speedy trials’, ‘fast track courts’ do not inspire confidence nor do the eloquent demagogy and crocodile tears shed by actors turned politicians because we have a history of on-going betrayal of public faith in the country. Shockingly, no responsible authority owns up shortcoming or failure at their level. At best, they put forth excuses to win sympathy and appreciation rather than punitive action. Sometimes, the excuses appear plausible too; but surely, someone is responsible for deficiency, poor maintenance, equipment failure or lack of coordination – whatever the excuse!

Union Home Minister, CM, police chief – all come out with promises as if this would be the last time people had it so bad.  But since the aim of these hollow declarations is only to cool down the rising public ire rather than change and improve, they are soon forgotten.  Very much like their old speeches and election manifestos, these assurances come handy to our politicians for every successive rape, each being an occasion to rehearse and improve their performance on camera rather than perform and demand performance in governance.  

Exhibition of Government Dumbness

In no other democracy of the world would you find a Prime Minister so silent and immovably insensitive even on burning issues that trigger such public outcry and public outpouring as currently at Vijay Chawk and India Gate. We are today witnessing a live show of persistent indifference of a government that has become accustomed to watching from behind their windows the rising multitudes of angry yet disciplined and non-violent men and women demanding just fair and responsive governance. Obviously, democracy in India has drifted away from people.

Governance is now marred by rampant corruption, inefficiency and callousness with total absence of accountability almost all over the country. Fed up with a corrupt and callous system, people looking for alternatives under desperation have gradually drifted to the side of the insurgents. Already more than one fourth of the country from Bengal to Kerala is already under the sway of Maoist insurgents. In the fast expanding ‘Liberated Zones’ state authorities are denied access and it is the writ of the insurgents that prevails.

Starved farmers and dissatisfied soldiers are committing suicides as never before. Shopkeepers and small business concerns are buying security by employing private security guards and paying hafta. Victims of loot, molestation, rape, kidnap and perpetual harassment at the hands of outlaws have lost faith in the police and judiciary.  They would rather negotiate and buy peace and, if possible, patronage of the hoodlums rather than face disdain and further exploitation at the police station.

Shocking tales drip in blood and tears routinely from government hospitals and private clinics where human life and organs are freely traded with heartless brutality and impunity. News of child abuse in play schools is a daily dose too! There is neither fear nor remorse even when perpetrators of crime are arrested because bail is usually granted sooner than later and the litigation lingers for decades.  Now, the Home Minister seeks to douse public ire by promising speedy action and setting up a Commission of Inquiry. What a cruel joke! By now, people know it well that setting up of ‘commissions’ is a fooling tool used by the government to confuse the issue as enquiries would be meandering through a labyrinth of irrelevant details lingering a simple and straight case through months – may be, years!

Synonymy of Crime & Government

Public outrage in the capital these days is a pointer to total failure of  governance.  The hollowness of promises and assurances is betrayed by the fact that our political parties have in fact extended their patronage to the rapists and criminals. Rather than fast-tracking criminal proceedings against the accused, parties are actually abetting crime by giving tickets to criminals and bringing them to the legislature as MLAs and MPs. Their newly acquired position comes handy to slow down and subvert the legal process. The latest addition is a newly elected MLA (Congress) of Himachal Pradesh gone underground after being charged for murder of a young woman in Panchkula. If more evidence is needed, here are the factual details collated by National Election Watch (NEW) and Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR):    

1. In Lok Sabha Elections 2009, political parties gave tickets to six candidates who declared in their Affidavits that they had been charged with rape. 

2.  In the last five years, parties gave tickets to 27 of those who affirmed in their Affidavits that they were charged with rape.  

3.  There were 260 contesting candidates from various political parties who were charged under different sections of IPC for crimes against women such as ‘outraging modesty of a woman, assault, insulting the modesty of a woman etc.   
And these are their self-declarations, not full information about much more that could be lying beneath blackmail, compromise, unregistered and unreported heaps. There are plenty in the corridors of power who, notoriously dreaded for their character, are roaming free even if the likes of ND Tiwari, Gopal Kanda, Mahipal Maderna, Abhishek Singhvi et al are discounted because reported cases of rape and molestation in India are just the tip of the iceberg. Consequentially, the government has lost the character and credibility that could inspire confidence in the masses that are surcharged with anger and strong urge for change.

India is up and angry. In modern times when political rallies are known for rampage, arson and loot, Anna had ushered in a culture of peaceful, non-violent agitation but finally he had to call it off as the government remained on a switch-off mode. Commendably, the youth power of the nation is still peaceful and very much restrained despite their justified anger. Such peaceful mass representations must be respected and heard empathetically with topmost concern. But the government seems to draw comfort form the public restraint which is a suicidal option chosen by it; for if you spurn peace, violence burst and turn into unmanageable bloodbath. Corruption, crime, anti-people government, arrogant police and civil administration – all add up to make it highly inflammable, not only in Delhi but throughout the country. It is surprising how people are restraining themselves from armed rebellion even in such anarchic times. The government will do well to see the signals and be advised not to try people’s patience.  

The author is an Army Veteran and social activist. He can be contacted at karankharb@gmail.com (Mob: 9818047092)
 

 

Saturday, December 22, 2012


Makings of the ‘Big Leap

by

Prakash Katoch

Nothing moves the stony politicians other than money and votes. Some are even perpetually ‘stoned’ with arrogance, drunk with power. The ‘mangoe people’ are insignificant. The recent horrific massacre in a primary school in Connecticut saw President Obama drive down to console the families, make a national statement and attend the service for the unfortunate victims. Compare this to what is happening in India. Despite the anger at the horrific rape of a medical student in Delhi, neither the President nor the Prime Minister has thought it fit to address the nation, even as the media is amply covering more rapes throughout the country even after this sordid affair. They simply do not consider it appropriate because:

·       They are not directly affected.

·       The girl is neither the daughter of a politician nor related to one.

·       Victim belongs to the ‘general’ category ‘mango people’ who are not even eligible to quota. 

The Chief Minister of Delhi, in her own words, cannot muster ‘courage’ to face the victim. How convenient or is it the admission of ineptness in making Delhi safe. Look at the state of crime in the Capital but then you can hardly blame the celebrated lady governing the State when she has made the remarkable discovery that a family of five can live ‘comfortably’ for a complete month in Rupees 600 ($ 10.94), declaring it openly – surpassing even Montek’s genius of Rupees 32 ($ 0.58) a day for a below poverty line Delhi citizen. Are the Nobel Foundation, UN and GoI listening? Is anyone better qualified for the next Bharat Ratna.

Unfortunately, 2014 the election year is many months away and the Congress having achieved ‘victory’ in Gujarat (as being espoused by Congress ministers and spokesperson), assess this rape too will be forgotten like hundreds of previous ones. So, where is the question of amending the law, besides it will take years of discussion and pussyfooting before any change is made, if at all. After all, what will happen to numerous politicians who also consider this a sport? Who knows whether the recently re-emerged spokesperson whose sex tape had been exposed by his driver was indulging in rape or had a willing partner? Hanging or castrating them could make undue dent in vote banks so why make waves?

Despite the Parliament closed for the winter, there was no reason whatsoever why the Prime Minister cannot call for an emergent all party meet to discuss this instant case, ensure expeditious justice and most importantly initiate measures required for awarding capital punishment / castration if rape is proved. Ironic to see a ruling spokeswoman exposed on a TV by the anchor; she was for capital punishment for rape in 2002 when Congress was in opposition but today she is against capital punishment because the party she belongs to is in power.

What kind of a democracy are we in where the High Court is lambasting the police and the Home Secretary lauding them. The latter is fit for a political role post retirement (as many predecessors) telling blatant lies to the nation that water cannons and tear gas have not been used on protesting students while numerous channels are showing live pictures of police using not only water cannons and tear gas but also lathi charge on the protestors who have not indulged in violence and not damaged any police / government property. This should be another feather in the cap of the Chief Minister as well as Shri Shinde of “Shri Hafiz Saeed” fame. Can Shri Shinde muster guts to talk to Shri Protestors.

After every terrorist act, there is mumbo-jumbo about CCTVs; non-functional or lack of them. This time it is lack of PCR vans - is there no other way of securing an area. What a sham state of affairs. What about the full one hour that both the brutally injured victims were lying on the roadside? Hopefully, the High Court will award punishments and that these will not be mere ‘suspensions’ or ‘transfers’ as always is. Few months back you saw the spectacle of erstwhile authorized coloured film from car windows being removed with much fanfare – publicity, moolah et al. So, why are busses plying with so dark windows you cannot see inside?

If the rape victim was related to the hierarchy, daughter of a politician or related to one, the response of the government would have been entirely different. Not only the DGP would have been made to resign, the concerned SP, ACP and policemen responsible for the concerned area would be taken to task. Remember the 1989 kidnapping of Rubaiya Sayeed, daughter of Home Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed and the entire hierarchy reduced to putty, which according to some findings was an inside job of the JKLF organized within seven days of the minister taking oath and orchestrated with his knowledge.

Today, we have reached a stage where a protestor is forced to state on TV that only two women are safe in Delhi – Sonia Gandhi and Shiela Dikshit. According to a former ambassador, the SP of a particular state in North India is specifically chosen by the Chief Minister personally for the simple reason that the SP is required to provide Rupees five crores  to the CM annually. Then according to a Member Parliament, the DGP of a state in Central India is paying hafta for his own protection to the Maoists. You may draw your own conclusions regarding the state of affairs in the rest of India including Delhi.

Ahmedinejad, the Iranian President is known for his explosive outbursts against the West but very few know that : he still lives in the small house he owned as a professor; meets visitors in an ordinary room with wooden chairs; sleeps on the floor, on many occasions joins the cleaning staff of the municipality for cleaning the streets in the area where his home and Presidency are located; he takes no salary and flies economy class in commercial flights; any minister appointed has to render signed document highlighting, among other things, that he shall remain poor and that his personal and his relatives accounts will be watched and the day he leaves the ministry shall be with dignity, and therefore it is not lawful for him or his relatives to take any advantage of his office. Compare this with the state in India.

In Japan, the Prime Minister stops at the red light. Police is empowered to stop the traffic only for the Emperor but not beyond one minute. Compare this with our security obsessed hierarchy – providing security to all and sundry politicians and non-politicians at the expense of the public. Too much security has its own disadvantages too, examples being security guards talking of a high profile lady getting drunk periodically and slapping her husband while another budding youngster is engaged more in gay activities than politics.

Mohan Murti, former Director Europe CII had this to say after attending a seminar in Europe, “Europeans believe that Indian leaders in politics and business are so blissfully blinded by the new, sometimes ill-gotten, wealth and deceit that they are living in defiance, insolence and denial to comprehend that the day will come, sooner than later, when the have-nots would hit the streets. In a way, it seems to have already started with the monstrous and grotesque acts of the Maoists. And, when that rot occurs, not one political turncoat will escape being lynched.”

Maoists messages already talk of planned infiltration of security of political leaders in the state capitals and the capital itself. If the blind hierarchy cannot see the signs of the “Indian Spring” in the ongoing protests, they would not be able to see the makings of the “Big Leap” either, which incidentally is not about India going to the mars but the type that occurred in China. When an SSG officer’s sister was killed in the Lal Masjid action in Pakistan, he blew himself up in the officer’s mess killing 23 of his colleagues.

If the intransigence to rape continues, the hierarchy should be prepared to get raped or castrated by a security guard if the latter’s wife or daughter  has suffered rape. Don’t take the “Mangoe People” too lightly. They may travel cattle class but awakening their beastly instincts will be at peril of the “Creamy Polity”.

 

The author is a veteran Special Forces Lieutenant General of the Indian Army.