Will other senior policemen also be held accountable?

While the police administration was quick to suspend the senior inspector of Nehru Nagar police station for “slack in supervision”, the question being raised is whether similar action will be initiated against those in the higher-rung of the department.

While the police administration was quick to suspend the senior inspector of Nehru Nagar police station for “slack in supervision”, the question being raised is whether similar action will be initiated against those in the higher-rung of the department.

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The Nehru Nagar police station falls under police zone 6, comprising nine police stations, headed by a deputy commissioner of police (DCP).

At a larger level, the zone falls under the jurisdiction of the east region police, comprising 18 police stations. An additional commissioner of police is the supervising officer is responsible for the region. The BrihanMumbai police jurisdictional area is divided into five regions for administrative purpose.

Sadanand Date, joint commissioner of police, law and order, admitted that the incident reflected poorly on supervision over the junior staff.

When asked if the charges of omission would permeate to seniors as well, Date said as of now there was nothing to suggest any lapses by the superiors. “The anti-corruption bureau [ACB] is investigating the matter. If the officers finds anyone responsible for lapses or collusion, they will submit a report and action will be taken,” Date said.

Raj Khilnani, director general, ACB, said the probe would include lapses by higher ups, if any. “If we find any omission on any senior's part, a default report will be submitted to the government, recommending action. If criminal culpability is found, the officer will be prosecuted,” Khilnani said.

Meanwhile, former joint commissioner of police YC Pawar raised questions over the integrity of the police administration. “Those who have been suspended are not the major players. The problem lies elsewhere,” he said.

YP Singh, IPS officer-turned-lawyer, said the seniors in the zone and the region should be held equally responsible. “They should also be brought under the ambit of the ACB probe,” he said.