Sanjay Beniwal (Express photo) Sanjay Beniwal (Express photo) In the four months since Sanjay Beniwal, a 1989 batch IPS officer, took charge as Director General of Police (DGP), the Chandigarh Police has seen numerous changes. From introducing computerised transfer policy for personnel below Inspector rank, introducing multi-skill development programme for youngsters including those with criminal backgrounds at police station level, Beniwal has more plans for the city. In a conversation with The Indian Express, DGP Beniwal emphasises the need to shift from ‘rural policing’ to ‘urban policing’. What is your assessment of policing in Chandigarh? Chandigarh needs modern policing, which we call Urban Policing. Punjab Police Rules (PPR) which are being followed by Chandigarh police, primarily focus on rural policing. In the past, a policeman was enough to maintain the law and order situation in an entire village but do you think it is possible in a city like Chandigarh that one policeman can control the entire sector or even a densely populated locality like Hallomajra? We are in the process of making Chandigarh police more people friendly. I want to introduce a system, in which people will not come to the police but police shall go to them. “Your police in your locality” will be the future policing. In urban policing, specialised crime detection units including crime branch, operations cell etc always work independently. They are not commanded by the city’s Senior Superintendent of Police who looks after the city’s law and order situation and day to day functioning of police stations. As head of the police force, how do you view the ongoing cadre war in Chandigarh Police? I would like to clarify that there is no cadre war in Chandigarh police. At least, not for me. Merger of UT police’s DSP rank officers in DANIPS cadre is Ministry of Home Affair’s decision. When the draft of this policy was put before me, I conveyed to all my men that there will be no fight behind the back. Everything shall be addressed in open and in front of each other. I have the same respect for DSPs of Chandigarh Police that I have for DANIPS cadre officers. After all, they all are my men. I want to give equal chance of growth to everybody. When MHA approved this policy, I could not have done much. I was only asked for my suggestion on it. I believe MHA is also working in the interest of Chandigarh police. Whatever MHA decides, we are bound to follow. Can you elaborate computerized Automatic Personnel Placement software? This computerized Automatic Personnel Placement Software (APPS) was introduced for computerised transfers of police personnel. Using this software, 2,500 personnel were transferred in September, 2018. It is part of urban policing. We want to eliminate every chance of corruption within police department. It was an open secret that money was being offered and paid to get postings. We are in the process of introducing more such initiatives minimising human interference. When we are promoting registration of FIRs, DDRs online, then why not transfers and postings of police personnel? As per APPS, anyone from a Constable to Sub-Inspector who has served a maximum of two years in a particular post, shall automatically be transferred from one unit to another. Also, we will soon start the process for maintaining a report and performance card of every police personnel. Chandigarh Police recently hit headlines for wrong reasons when Sub Inspector Naveen Phogat was booked on rape charges and DSP Sondhi was indicted for sexual harassment. What do you say? My point is very clear – Rakshak kabhi Bhakshak nahi ho sakta. When it comes to punishing our own for their wrongs, police must be ruthless. What the SI did was unpardonable. Actions against him and the DSP were taken as per the law. There is a system that needs to be followed. Nobody is above the law. Indiscipline by police personnel will not be tolerated. What steps are you taking to curb increasing incidents of crimes against children and women in the city? Children and women are the most vulnerable section of our society. I have clear instructions for my subordinates that there will be no delay in taking legal action on the complaints relating to offences against children and women. I have even instructed the entire police force to act swiftly in cases of disappearance of children. Directions have been given for promptly launching search operations the moment any information about disappearance of a child is received. The police is committed to providing a safe environment to every section of society. For all the latest Chandigarh News, download Indian Express App

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