‘There is a lot of crime in Western countries too. Here,we just play it up’

A lot of robberies,snatchings and other crimes are reported every day from the Capital. With the Commonwealth Games a little over two months away,you think Delhi is ready to play the host? When athletes and foreign dignitaries would read newspapers during the 12-day event,won’t it leave a bad impression?
Dadwal: If you see,there is lot of crime in Western countries. Here,we play up the crimes a lot even if a few incidents have happened. In fact,in Delhi,the crime rate is lowest in the last 40 years. And in these years,the population of Delhi has increased manifold. In this kind of population,these incidents would happen. But as far as Commonwealth Games are concerned,we will put extra security in place at railway stations,airports,Games venues and other public places and areas where small hotels are located,like Paharganj.

Is there organised crime in Delhi?
No. Ninety-one per cent crime in Delhi is committed by first-timers. We focus on registering the case and immediately catching the criminals. Yes,there has been an increase in robberies and snatchings,but we will put extra measures to curb this.

What about traffic? Is the aam aadmi going to be bothered during the Games due to movement of VIPs,athletes and other dignitaries?
There will be traffic diversions which may cause problems,but it could only be tackled if there is awareness in the public about traffic rules. For Games,we have requested that no major conferences,exhibitions and fairs be organised during the 12 days (October 3-14). Commercial vehicles would not be allowed. Some holidays have also been shifted. In fact,I am going to request the public to use Metro as primary mode of travelling.

What is going to be the Delhi Police’s strength and plan for security of the Games?
We will have a strength of 80,000 Delhi police officers in addition to a large number of companies to be provided by the Union Home ministry.
There will be air space security,helicopter surveillance and special commando force to avert any terrorist attack. Moreover,policemen in plain clothes,24X7 CCTV surveillance of the city,missing persons squads,ambulances,bomb disposal squads,dedicated FM channels for the Commonwealth Games for disseminating information,first-aid booths,750 PCR vans and 120 motorcycles fitted with GPS and integrated tickets for movement during Games will be available.

In the last few years,we have seen less operations outside Delhi by specialised units like the Crime Branch and Special Cell. Is there any restriction on these units to go out and catch criminals?
No,there is no restriction. In fact,we caught Munna Bajrangi and Brijesh Singh,two most dreaded criminals,from outside Delhi.

What kind of training Delhi Police officers have undergone for the Games?
Communication skills,behavioural aspects,screening through metal detectors (DFMDs and HHMDs),commando training,bomb detection and anti-sabotage training.