After cop murder, Gzb personnel told to wear safety gear on duty

The Ghaziabad police have instructed all on-duty personnel to make use of safety gear and also to be alert when on duty, to maintain safety and tackle unruly elements and miscreants.

The Ghaziabad police have instructed all on-duty personnel to make use of safety gear and also to be alert when on duty, to maintain safety and tackle unruly elements and miscreants.

More than 75 personnel are on duty at any point of time across the police posts in the city. (Sakib Ali/HT Photo)

The renewed directions came after a constable, Suresh Yadav, was gunned down while on duty by three men on November 25 at the Banthla police post in Loni town.

“The on-duty constables, especially sentries, are well-versed in the use of weapons as a training is provided for them,” said Dharmendra Singh, senior superintendent of police, Ghaziabad.

“We have reissued directions instructing them to wear bullet-proof jackets and also to keep weapons ready. They will take all required precautions,” Singh said.

Currently, the city has eight major police stations that have nearly 75 police posts spread across different locations, where there is constant police presence.

“More than 75 personnel are on duty at any point of time at the posts. The directions to wear safety gear are also aimed at providing enough security for the ongoing local body polls and also in preparing the personnel for the Republic Day celebrations. This will also give the force an added advantage to meet any contingency,” another senior officer said.

Following the arrest of Gyasi Khadkhadi, an accused in the case of constable Yadav’s murder, the police are also investigating the remote possibility of a retaliatory attack from accomplices of gangsters and others recently arrested by the Ghaziabad police.

Gyasi is the a cousin of gangster Harendra Khadkhadi, who was arrested by the police following an encounter in April.

The accused, along with Khadkhadi’s two accomplices, were arrested following a gun battle with the police.

The police recovered a carbine, two .9mm pistols, a sten gun and more than six dozens of live ammunition from their possession.

The police recovered two hand grenades from the Anil Penda gang, after a raid on their hideout. (HT File Photo )

“The chance of a retaliatory attack is remote but we are investigating all angles. Two of Gyasi’s accomplices who went absconding are being traced. The accused will be recommended for action under the provisions of the National Security Act, in connection with the constable’s murder,” a senior officer said.

The enhanced security directions by senior officers also come in the wake of the recovery of sophisticated weapons like AK-47s, hand grenades, .9mm pistols, sten guns, carbines from many gangs.

The on-duty personnel, on the other hand, are using heavy .303 rifles and INSAS rifles. The police personnel deployed for patrolling are equipped with pistols.

Besides, the city is also known as a hotbed for criminals and has a presence of nearly 172 criminal gangs, including five inter-district gangs who move about the porous borders of the national capital region (NCR).