Policemen must not lose temper under pressure: B S Bassi

The incident had triggered public outrage and several women rights organisations as well as political parties had come down hard on Delhi Police.

The victim, who was riding a two-wheeler, alleged that Chandra demanded a bribe of Rs 200 accusing her of violating traffic rules and when she refused, he first abused her and then hit her with the brick. (Source: Express photo)

Embarassed by the incident of a traffic policeman attacking a woman with a brick, Delhi Police Commissioner B S Bassi on Tuesday strictly asked the personnel to ensure professional conduct and suggested that they carry electronic devices to record public interactions.

He said there was a need for “systemic changes” to make sure that policemen act as per law even under pressure and adverse situations.

“We will need systemic changes to see that even under pressure, our officers act as per the law. No matter what the situation is, they must behave with courtesy and not lose their temper.

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“As far as training of our officers is concerned, our objective is to see that our officers must not react out of rage,” Bassi told reporters.

In a shocking incident of police brutality, traffic head constable of Golf Links area Satish Chandra on Monday attacked the woman with a brick in Golf Links locality following which he was arrested and dismissed from service.

The incident had triggered public outrage and several women rights organisations as well as political parties had come down hard on Delhi Police.

Bassi also suggested that policemen should carry devices to make sure that their interactions with public are recorded on audio tape or camera.

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He said the aim at the training level was to nurture among the personnel the ability to stay calm.

Police officials said Chandra has submitted a 44-second audio clip in which he is heard telling the woman that he would issue a court challan to her.

Although, the clip suggests that there was a heated argument between the woman and the head constable, it does not support the victim’s claim that Chandra had asked for a Rs 200 bribe from her, investigators said.

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Police has sent the audio clip to Forensic Science Laboratory to know about its authenticity.

Asked about the clip, Bassi said that whatever is relevant would be taken into account.

“If we investigate a case, it is done on a merit basis. We had taken appropriate action (on the day of the incident) on the basis of prima facie facts,” he added.

Asked about high court’s observation regarding road rage cases in the capital, Bassi said he was yet to receive a copy of the court’s order.

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