'Mistakes made in last 5 years’: AP DGP Dwaraka Tirumala Rao responds to Pawan Kalyan’s comments on law and order
For example, fingerprint technology, introduced to the State, was left largely unused over the past five years, the DGP said
By Sri Lakshmi Muttevi Published on 5 Nov 2024 2:28 PM GMT
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Anantapur: Following deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan’s criticism of the police department over their handling of crime incidents seeing a spike in the State, director general of police (DGP) Dwaraka Tirumala Rao acknowledged past shortcomings.
He stated that mistakes were made over the last five years but emphasised that the department is now committed to rectifying them.
The Deputy CM expressed concern over the law-and-order situation in the State and said if he was the home minister ‘things would be different’, remarks seen as direct criticism of Vangalapudi Anitha, minister for Home Affairs and Disaster Management.
His comments came in the wake of recent law and order issues, particularly following the rape and murder of a four-year-old girl by a relative in Tirupati district.
‘Why should caste stop an arrest?’
Questioning the lack of action from the police department, he said they don’t have to look at the background of criminals.
“They (criminals) have no caste or religion. How many times should we tell police officials about this? Why should caste obstruct an arrest? Why are you bringing up caste when a three-year-old girl is raped and murdered? What are you saying? You studied IPC; did the Indian Penal Code instruct you to support criminals?” he questioned the police.
Speaking to the media in Anantapur, the DGP said, “We are now focused on protecting the women and children of the State and are not working under political pressure.”
‘New tech to fight crime not utilised under previous Andhra government’
Reflecting on the previous YSRCP administration, the DGP noted that the police had not fully carried out their duties. For example, fingerprint technology, introduced to the State, was left largely unused over the past five years.
‘Attack on TDP office not handled properly’
He also mentioned that when a political party office (TDP) was attacked, the incident was dismissed under the guise of freedom of expression and no arrests were made. However, the current administration has reopened and begun investigating the case.
Addressing allegations against inspector general (IG) Sanjay, the DGP clarified that an investigation is ongoing. The findings will first be submitted to the General Administration Department (GAD) before reaching the police department.
