Surprise visit catches cops, officials off guard

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati has told Noida police that atrocities against Dalits and women would not be tolerated. She has also told Noida authority officials to improve roads, footpaths and greenery along them in the city. Darpan Singh reports.

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati has told Noida police that atrocities against Dalits and women would not be tolerated. She has also told Noida authority officials to improve roads, footpaths and greenery along them in the city.

HT Image

The CM visited Noida on Sunday and also took stock of healthcare facilities at the district hospital.

This was her first visit to Gautam Buddh Nagar, her home district, since she inaugurated the Noida link of Delhi Metro in October 2009. Flanked by top officials, the CM airdashed to the City Centre ground in Sector 32 around 11am and went straight to the adjoining district hospital.

The official machinery was almost caught off guard as the 45-minute visit, which had been lurking for the last one fortnight, could be confirmed barely three hours prior to her arrival. Top officials, including Noida chairman, CEO, DM and SSP, were seen making last-minute preparations ahead of the visit.

From the hospital, she went to Sector 39 police station. Officers looked rattled and ran frantically to put things in order.

"We were informed (about the visit) only minutes before. She was expected to arrive here only on February 27," said a cop, sweating it out to block traffic.

Station officer Randheer Singh looked panicky as the CM went through case details of routine crimes as well as atrocities committed against Dalits.

Officials accompanying the CM "noted down" the names of Randheer's predecessor Rakesh Singh (already transferred to Lucknow) and the area's circle officer ASP Alankrita Singh.

The CM told the officers to check cases of vehicle thefts and crime against women at any cost. She also looked unhappy as there was hardly any activity under the twin initiatives -Tehsil Diwas and Thana Diwas - in the months of October, November and December. She said cops sitting at police stations could never check crime; they must venture out.

Earlier, she visited the gynaecology ward of the district hospital. The hospital staff heaved a sigh of relief when patients "painted a good picture" about healthcare and other facilities being provided.