Delhi Police have highest number of errant cops

The Delhi Police, which take pride in the 'With you, for you always' slogan, have earned the dubious distinction of facing the maximum number of complaints from the public.

The Delhi Police, which take pride in the 'With you, for you always' slogan, have earned the dubious distinction of facing the maximum number of complaints from the public.

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Under fire for the manner in which they handled outrage - especially the current one after a 23-year-old woman was gangraped - the Capital's police force is leading all the state police forces in the number of complaints registered against them.

In 2011, altogether 61,765 complaints were reported nationwide against police personnel. And Delhi topped the list with 12,805 complaints, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 11,971 complaints.

According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) under the ministry of home affairs, policemen in the Capital have been accused of extortion, torture, illegal detention and causing indignity to women.

Even when it comes to taking disciplinary action, Delhi Police turn out to be a laggard.

Despite having received the highest number of complaints against its personnel, Delhi Police do not report the highest number of dismissals, instead Bihar does.

The NCRB website says, "The magnitude of departmental action taken by states/UTs against erring police personnel indicates the disciplinary control being exercised by authorities."

In 2010, Madhya Pradesh Police saw the maximum number of complaints against its personnel, followed by Uttar Pradesh and Delhi.

A senior Delhi Police officer admitted on condition of anonymity: "The departmental complaint-action ratio is low because pressure is put on complainants to withdraw complaints, and mind you, only a few come forward and succeed in complaining against men in uniform. Half the time the complaints are simply not lodged."