Concern grows as cops turn into targets

MUMBAI: In just two weeks, Mumbai has seen three cases of police personnel being attacked while on duty. One attack led to the death of a constable, another attack

MUMBAI: In just two weeks, Mumbai has seen three cases of police personnel being attacked while on duty. One attack led to the death of a constable, another attack nearly caused a death.

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The incidents have got officers, politicians and experts worried.

Lok Sabha MP and former Mumbai police commissioner Satyapal Singh said on Wednesday that such assaults were sending the wrong message and that he would take up the matter in the house. Singh called for authorities to take strict action — perhaps even denying assailants passports and driving licenses.

“When someone assaults police personnel, every police station should create this person’s record and share it across the state. When the assailant applies for a passport, driving license, NOC or character certificate, they should be denied these documents. This could ensure such incidents reduce,” Singh said.

But what is causing these attacks? Some psychologists and sociologist say this is a result of an erosion of certain values and civic sense among the youth. There is also a loss of respect for the uniform for various reasons, including the behaviour of police personnel. Besides, in this age of social media, cops are often at the receiving end when video clips showing alleged police high-handedness go viral.

Psychologist Harish Shetty said slow justice means people are getting bold and unafraid of consequences. “People, when extremely angry, don’t see the difference between a policeman and a common man and they become emotionally numb. At that point, they are not afraid of the consequences. The slow judicial mechanism has made it “easy to escape.” The police work overtime to ensure law and order during the festive season. Sources said the police are working without holidays and are underpaid. “The police represent the state. If they aren’t safe, how can society be safe?,” Singh asked HT.