‘We’re a disciplined force... no question of infighting’
CHANDIGARH : Numerous challenges lie ahead for the 1987batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, Dinkar Gupta, who took charge as the new Punjab Police chief on Thursday. Be it infighting in the top brass of the force or the ongoing probe by the special investigation team (SIT) into cases of the 2015 police firing in the wake of sacrilege, there are many issues that will test the new DGP’s leadership. Ravinder Vasudeva talked to Gupta on a range of issues. Here are the excerpts:
What are your priorities as the state police chief?
Being DGP of a border state like Punjab is a huge responsibility. One of my immediate priorities is to help conduct the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in a free and fair manner. As ours is state with a hostile neighbouring country, we have to work in close co-ordination with intelligence agencies and the Border Security Force. I will try my best to lead the force that evokes fear among criminals so that people feel safe.
You became DGP when there is infighting in the force’s top brass. It was only few months back when the CM had to intervene and ask officers to mend their ways.
Everyday is a new beginning. Let me assure you that I have worked as a team throughout my career. As DGP as well, you will see me as a team man only. The Punjab Police is a disciplined force and every officer, senior or junior, understands his/her prime duty. There is a system in the police and we all have to follow that. There is nothing like ‘turf war’ in the force at all. We are a uniformed force. There is no question of infighting in it. The issue has been given unnecessary hype in the past.
1985-batch officer Mohd Mustafa says he will move SC against the procedure adopted to select you as DGP. What you have to say?
I don’t have to comment anything on it. I was selected following the procedure set up by the Supreme Court. However, I feel everybody has the right to take legal course.
Many say the force is feeling demoralised after cases were slapped against officers in the 2015 police firing on Sikh protesters. Do you admit it?
We are mindful of such things. If cases were registered against anyone, it must have been based on independent probe and not witch-hunt. The SIT is probing the matter and has recorded statements of the protesters as well as the policemen on duty. Let the truth come out. There is no question of targeting anyone.
How do you assess the functioning of ant-drug special task force (STF?
STF has done a commendable job by breaking the supply chain. District police units have also made significant seizures. But there is always a scope for improvement. We all will work in a united manner to fulfil the chief minister’s dream of making Punjab drug-free.
As DGP (intelligence), you were instrumental in coming hard on Khalistan operatives.
Do you feel the increasing extremism poses a new challenge to the state?
We are not against anyone who believes in peaceful activism. But there have been instances when such groups take to violent means and many times, they kill innocent people to propagate their agenda. The Punjab Police have a proud history of tackling such elements and we will not allow such elements to find any space in future as well — be it the activities such as the Refrendum-2020 or any other campaigns.
Politicisation of police is an issue in Punjab. Though this state govt scrapped the halqa-incharge system, postings of officers are being done at the behest of local politicians of ruling party.
It’s only my second day in the office (as DGP) so I won’t be able to answer this. I also feel that because ours is a democratic system sometimes political feedbacks are also legitimate.
› One of my immediate priorities is to help conduct the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in a free and fair manner. As ours is state with a hostile neighbouring country, we have to work in close coordination with the BSF and intelligence agencies.