In the aftermath of the Vakola fratricide, the Mumbai Police have issued an internal circular asking its senior rung to behave cordially with its juniors and refrain from using any unparliamentary language. The circular issued in Marathi and dated May 5, a copy of which is with the paper, says: “It has come to our notice that some senior officers while interacting with their junior rung use ‘indecent’ language. All senior officers are hereby instructed to refrain from using unparliamentary language while interacting with juniors, especially women policemen. If any complaint is received against an officer for use of indecent language, strict action will be taken against such person,” the circular reads. [related-post] On April 2, Assistant Sub Inspector Dilip Shirke killed his senior police officer Vilas Joshi and later committed suicide at the Vakola police station. The fratricide exposed the stress and the long working hours the police are exposed to. The circular also directs the local Assistant Commissioner of Police ( ACPs) to conduct a monthly ‘darbar’ with the lower rung. Its further states that if any policemen approaches with any grievances, it should be dealt within three days. The ACPs are required to inform their seniors about such meetings either in writing or through an email. Every Friday, between 6 pm to 8 pm, ACPs are required to allocate time to hear the grievances of their juniors. The circular also requires the Additional Commissioner of Police to fix the problem within 10 days. rashmi.rajput@expressindia.com
