‘The bottom line is, it’s an issue of livelihood’

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B Satheesh Balan, a 2004-batch IPS officer, volunteered for a posting in Mewat. Ten months later, Balan, tells HT the perception about Mewat being town of criminals is misplaced.

What’s your understanding of Mewat?

Mewat should have been in the news for backwardness and not crime. In the past 67 years, there has not been a single riot here and even during minor riots, there was no casualty. Yes there are criminals in Mewat, but they are in other districts as well. Considering the level of literacy and backwardness, we see less crime here compared to other districts of Haryana.

They may not be indulging in crime in Mewat, but NCR police is having tough time in keeping a tab on Mewati gangs.

I don’t believe in maligning people based on the region. To me, using the words Mewati gang is stereotyping. People of Mewat indulge in crime because of no livelihood opportunities. And then cow slaughtering and mining-which ran their kitchen-has been banned. They are involved in crime against property, particularly vehicle thefts. Otherwise they are peaceful people.

Has the police of NCR been in touch with you over the issue?

Not as much as they should have. I just got a call from DCP, Delhi and we caught hold of suspected al Qaeda man from Mewat last month. They (Delhi police) need to be more cooperative.

There is a perception Mewati criminals turn violent when intercepted?

Yes they are short-tempered. They have illicit weapons and can even attack police parties. Though it doesn’t justify the crime, we should keep in mind they are extremely backward and neglected. We need to treat them differently. If we do so, they are the best authority-fearing people.

What is the solution then?

As a state we need to look into the motive of crime or the factors that drive them into it. If we do not do that that these people are bound to be attracted towards crime. The bottom line is it is an issue of livelihood.