December 5, 2011

Dear Gupta Ji, Hope this letter finds you in a good spirit & health. I would like to request your good-self for the consideration of worsening law & order situation in the several localities in Jamianagar, Delhi namely - Batla House, Jakir nagar, Abul Faizal Enclave, Shaheen Bagh, Muzib Bagh, Gaffar Manjil, Jogabai nagar. For over last couple of months, there has been an alarming increase in the cases of burglary, loot, unlawful acquisitions, encroachments & indiscriminate firings in the mentioned areas. More than half a dozen theft cases have already been registered in a week. Thefts are reported on different floors of the same building. The gravity of situation can be gauged by the fact that besides jewelleries, cash & precious items, TV, laptop & clothes are being stolen and that too in broad daylight. In fact, majority of the crimes have been committed only during the day time. However, the behaviour of the police officials towards the citizens is apathetic & reluctant. The local police seem unwilling to investigate the matters even after, if at all, they register FIR. Local residents have claimed that thieves are engaging the minors to perpetuate the crimes. Recently, a minor was caught red-handed. When he was handed over to the police, he was let free after inquiry. Police argued that they can barely do anything to a minor, adding their apprehension of human rights commission. The media persons too havent remained unaffected by the unrelenting crimes. In a recent case, when the theft took place at the residence of media person, police asked the media person to provide a finger print, instead that of a robber. It has been found that several anti-social elements come into the localities from eastern & western UP and feel secure to stay here. After committing crimes, they again go back to their havens scot free. Recently, a person named Naushad was shot fatally in the mouth in broad daylight. Suspicions have already aroused about the possibility of thieves working hands-in gloves with the police officials. Illegal constructions/acquisitions & encroachments have become daily affairs. In the plots capacity of 4 flats, 40 flats have been already been built out. It has led to scarcity of the basic needs among the societies. Such activities have become so rampant in the localities that its become difficult to walk a lane after sunset. Since the police officials are able to get their palms greased, several hawkers, cart pullers & shops which should be closed/removed at 11 PM can easily be found open till late at night. On one side where a shops rent is Rs. 15,000, police has been receiving Rs. 30,000 from hawkers for allowing them to set up the cart. At a blockade near Kalindi Kunj, trucks are allowed to let go by police after receiving kickbacks.

Disappointment and helplessness has captured the residents minds so firmly that they consider it wastage of time to even inform the police about the incidents. The existing grim scenario has only encouraged the criminals & discouraged the residents to report any matter to police station. People have been demanding from police to conduct raids on the bases of criminals and patrolling strictly, especially in nights. People opined that the situation has never been so bad in last 25 years. It must be recalled that Jamianagar has already been a victim of bombings and encounter earlier. Local politicians & social workers have raised their voice against such unlawful activities but in vain. I would also like to inform that the local SDM did carry out an initiative Aapke Darbar, however, it too didnt yield any fruits. Local police officials have often complained about the lack of sufficient staff. Police claims that several tenants have been residing here and majority of them have not provided any sort of verification. In view of the genuine needs of the local people, I earnestly request you to consider the above on priority basis and direct all concerned to take the appropriate action to book the culprits and establish a citizen-friendly environment where the people could breathe an air of security & peace. With regards, Yours Sincerely,

(Syed Shahnawaz Hussain) Mr. B. K. Gupta Commissioner of Police, Delhi