Badal calls for accountability in police force

Chandigarh, Aug 9 (UNI) Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today called for ''responsiveness and accountability'' in the functioning of police force.

Addressing a meeting of police officers from across the state here this morning, Mr Badal also called for an ''all out war on crime, especially against the menace of drug trafficking and addiction, fake travel agents, gambling and crimes against women''.

He emphasised the need for ''a more rapid response'' to the problems faced by the NRIs, especially with regard to land or property grabbing.

In the meeting Mr Badal announced setting up of a security training academy to train youth for security services. He also directed the Home Department to complete the modalities for setting up a modern infrastructure for the purpose within a period of two months. Mr Badal said youth from Punjab would be trained on the modern lines to provide security system, on the pattern of foreign countries in this academy.

The Chief Minister said the force would be allowed complete freedom from undue political interference. He went on adding that in cases where police officers felt that political interference was coming in the way of their professional duties, they were free to approach him directly. ''But in no case should the guilty be spared or innocents be harassed'', he said.

The Chief Minister also stressed the need for weeding out corruption from the society and said that officers who set an example in this regard would be suitably rewarded. He also called for the opening of ''choked'' avenues in ranks, to streamline the process of professional advancement through time bound promotions.

Taking serious note of the news items appearing in a section of press, regarding custodial deaths and crimes committed by police officers, Mr Badal said that no officer would be spared, if found indulging in such activities. He also cautioned the officers against subjecting the accused to third degree treatment.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister sanctioned a grant of Rs one crore to purchase land from UT administration for the integrated transit complex for the police personnels in Chandigarh. He also released a grant of Rs 10 lakh for the completion of Baba Alla Singh De-addiction Center's building at Barnala.

UNI