(a) whether the attention of the Government has been drawn to the news item captioned `Cash on camera charges hit police, probe ordered`, appearing in the Indian Express dated July 19, 2004;
(b) if so, the facts of the matter reported therein;
(c) the action taken/proposed to be taken against the erring Delhi Police officials taking bribes; and
(d) the steps being taken to ensure honest and smooth functioning by Police Force?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI MANIKRAO HODLYA GAVIT)
(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. On the basis of the media reports regarding the involvement of Delhi Police personnel with bootleggers, the Commissioner of Police has ordered an inquiry by the Vigilance Branch of Delhi Police. The facts about the matter as reported in the news item captioned `Cash on camera charges hit police, probe ordered` will be known only on completion of the inquiry.
(c): 24 Police personnel, including one Inspector, five Head Constables, and 18 Constables, who are suspected to be involved in the case, have been placed under suspension. Further action against them depends on the outcome of the inquiry.
(d): The steps taken to ensure honest and smooth functioning of Delhi Police personnel include:
(i) Surprise visits to the Police Stations by the officers of Vigilance Branch to check for violation of Human Rights, non-registration of cases, unauthorized detention in the Police Station and keep a watch on their conduct.
(ii) Setting up of Public Grievances Cells in each of the nine Districts to prevent violation of Human Rights by Delhi police personnel;
(iii) Organinsing Districts level/Thana level Committee meetings presided over by the Member of Parliament of the area and represented by the Member of Legislative Assembly, the Member of Legislative Council and officials of civic bodies of the area at regular intervals;
(iv) Holding of meetings with Residents Welfare Associations and Market Traders Associations;
(v) Publishing e-mail addresses of all District/Unit officers and installation of complaint boxes to facilitate common man to make complaints;
(vi) Display of time table at every Police Station to indicate the time when Station House Officers and other senior officers are available to meet public for redressal of their grievances;
(vii) Handling of complaints regarding corruption, non-cooperation, brutality and misbehaviour personally by the Commissioner of Police to restore public faith in the Police;
(viii) Installation of Post box number 171 for receiving secret complaint; and
(ix) Display boxes showing the telephone numbers etc. and availability of Police offices on specified dates.