Dadwal takes over as Delhi Police Commissioner

New Delhi, July 26: Mr. Yudhbir Singh Dadwal today took over as Delhi Police Commissioner, and said policing with 'human face' and better traffic management will be the focus areas of the capital's police.

Mr Dadwal, a 1974 batch Indian Police Service officer of the Union Territory Cadre, succeeded Dr K K Paul after pipping to the post Ms Kiran Bedi, the first woman IPS officer, who has since proceeded on three-month leave in protest.

Mr Dadwal and Ms Bedi were the two officers whose names were finalised and sent to the Home Ministry for approval a couple of days back.

Talking to reporters immediately after taking charge, Mr Dadwal said accidents caused by private Blueline buses and nightime traffic are ''areas of concern'' and promised to ensure redressal of all complaints and safety of women.

The focus would be to achieve professional excellence and humane policing, instill confidence in law abiding citizens and fear in the minds of law breakers and those who seek to break the law, he said.

Mr Dadwal said he plans to improve the delivery system, beat policing and functioning of police stations, enhance quality of investigation, boost intelligence gathering and maintain the pressure over terrorists and criminal gangs.

''A priority area would be redressal of complaints. Every complainant who come to a police station will be heard and his problem seen through one way or other. Complainant satisfaction would be a primary area of thrust for me,'' he said.

Regarding the controversy over his appointment, Mr Dadwal steered clear of the issue. Mr Dadwal pipped the Magsaysay Award winner for the top post, who is senior to him by two years. Ms Bedi is presently Director General, Bureau of Police Research and Development. Well-versed with the city and its moorings, Mr Dadwal is familiar with most of the Delhi Police network spanning over nine districts.

Known for her reformist policies and 'tough cop' image, Ms Bedi, whose name had cropped up several times whenever a vacancy for the top cop slot arose, was bitter in her reaction to the government decision and has applied for three months leave in protest.

She said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had been unfair to her.

''It is complete injustice to me and PM Manmohan Singh has been let me down. I am completely disappointed with the government and the bureaucracy,'' she told the media.

''This sends a very wrong message where merit and seniority was given a go-by and only those who toe the official line were rewarded,'' she added.

Asked what she plans to do in the wake of being superseded, Ms Bedi said ''all options, including legal, are open.''

UNI