Haryana CM Saini orders crackdown on extortion, prioritises public safety
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, while chairing a high-level meeting on law and order on Thursday evening, issued clear directives to senior officers that extortion cases would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
“Immediate action must be taken to curb such cases, and the strictest punishment should be ensured for the culprits.”
He said that the police administration should work with full alertness and readiness so that an ordinary citizen feels secure and confident in the police’s role as a guardian of safety.
Chief Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Rajesh Khullar said that the Chief Minister directed that anti-extortion cells should be set up in every district, and they should operate as special teams to investigate cases of extortion thoroughly. He directed the officers to take swift and effective action against the criminals involved in such cases so that they could be punished at the earliest, and a strong message was sent to society.
Meanwhile, the CM stressed the need for each police station to consistently track crime patterns and respond swiftly to any rise in criminal incidents to maintain control. Accountability should be ensured not only at the district level but also at the police station level, said the Chief Minister.
Giving priority to the safety of women and girl students, the CM ordered that police officers must conduct regular inspections of schools and colleges, especially girls’ institutions. He said officers should interact with students to make them aware and prevent any untoward incidents in time. He further directed that special patrolling be arranged during school and college dispersal hours to instill confidence among female students and their families.
During the meeting, officers apprised that the police had identified various hotspots and sensitive routes after interactions with working women and girl students. These areas are now under heightened vigilance with police presence and reinforced security arrangements, he was told.
Prioritising public safety, the Chief Minister directed that effective patrolling should be ensured in markets and busy public areas, especially during peak hours. In addition, sensitive locations should be regularly assessed, and additional patrolling should be arranged as needed. Special patrolling by the Durga Shakti Force was also directed for women’s safety.
Addressing the issue of drug trafficking, the Chief Minister directed that strict measures be implemented to control both the supply and consumption of narcotics. He directed that specific police officers be made responsible for each district. He emphasised the government’s commitment to protecting the youth from falling into the trap of addiction and called for a coordinated and robust campaign.
The Chief Minister directed all Superintendents of Police to inform their field staff that any police personnel found consuming alcohol on duty or in uniform would face the strictest possible action. He asserted that the police exist to serve and protect the public, and indiscipline or irresponsible behaviour would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
During the meeting, Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi directed the officers concerned to go among the public, listen to their grievances, and ensure their resolution on a priority basis.
Haryana Tribune