Police free to use arms to curb dacoities

Mumbai, Aug 1 (UNI) In a bid to stem the growing menace of dacoities/robberies in different parts of the state, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil today said the police force was free to use arms against anti-social elements.

Replying to a debate on 'law and order' in the Legislative Assembly, Mr Patil said the police were not able to use arms against dacoits and robbers due to the directive of the Human Rights Commission that police officials, who do so will have to face a CID inquiry and an FIR would be lodged against them.

Mr Patil said a CID probe would be ordered into a particular case only if the police action arouses suspicion.

The Deputy Chief Minister said 2325 dacoits have been arrested so far and 61 squads in different parts of the state are working round the clock to bring the culprits to book.

He said the government will soon embark on recruitment of 11,000 police officials this year.

UNI