Delhi Police commissioner Rakesh Asthana holds review meeting ahead of festive season

NEW DELHI: Delhi Police commissioner Rakesh Asthana on Saturday held a crime review meeting and also took stock of police arrangements in the wake of upcoming festivals and Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee elections scheduled for Sunday.The police chief asked for initiating a drive against absconding criminals and setting up ‘public facilitation booth’ in high footfall areas for the convenience of citizens.To ease out the rain-induced traffic situation in the city, Asthana directed senior traffic officials to focus on ensuring smooth movement of vehicular traffic during peak hours. He also directed the district DCPs to coordinate with the police and PCR teams while putting barricades on roads for checking so as to not affect the smooth flow of traffic or cause avoidable public inconvenience.“The top cop held a crime and Covid review meeting with field functionaries to discuss police preparedness, law and order arrangements and implementation of Covid guidelines ahead of the festive season. All district and unit DCPs and higher ups attended the meeting through video conference and in person at the police headquarters,” Delhi Police PRO Chinmoy Biswal said.According to senior officials, the commissioner discussed anti-terror measures at outset and proceeded towards taking stock of street crime and crimes against women.Asthana is learnt to have stressed upon taking strong preventive measures to keep crimes in check. He also underlined the importance of time-bound and scientific investigation of kidnapping/abduction and POCSO Act cases with methodical follow up of trials for convictions.“Public trust is earned through evidence-based scientific investigation and professional follow up during trials to secure punishment for the guilty,” Asthana told officers.On action against criminals under special and preventive laws, the CP directed the district police chiefs to mount surveillance on criminals, review it periodically and keep a thorough check on organised crime. “A drive must be initiated to apprehend all absconding criminals,” he told the special commissioners.Highlighting the advisories on prospective third wave of Covid pandemic, Asthana also took stock of Covid prosecution, stressing upon ensuring Covid-appropriate behaviour in market places by roping in market welfare associations to sensitise and educate the public.On Saturday, he also interacted with divyang children of families of Delhi Police personnel staying in residential colonies across the capital.