BANGALORE: City Police Commissioner B G Jyothi Prakash Mirji played it safe on Monday not wanting to be drawn into any controversy over the recent attack on journalists and policemen by some lawyers.
In an interview with Express, Mirji said the need of the hour was to maintain peace and allow the systems to function smoothly. When reminded that there were ‘strong calls’ that he be removed from the current post, Mirji said: “Transfers, suspensions and departmental inquiries are parts of our profession and we are ready to receive them. I have a job to execute as long as I am on this hot seat.”
Defending his decision not to add fuel to the fire, Mirji said with a judicial probe on, he could not comment on the incident at the City Civil Court. Asked about increasing attacks on policemen, Mirji said the moment one put on the khaki, he or she should be ready for any eventualities. “Policemen are used for various jobs right from birth to death (read as all occasions), but unfortunately in spite of doing good job, we end up being blamed all the time. Some days we are hailed as heroes and some times as villains. People will be blaming the police always, but we are trained to stay as a unit, focused,” he said.
Asked further whether he is leading an angry force, whose morale is low, Mirji said: “I have been talking constantly and inspiring them with past examples when we overcame bigger challenges while on the call of duty. We don’t keep any anger in mind.”
Claiming that the City Police probably have best riot-control systems in place, Mirji said standard operating procedures (SOPs) were updated based on different experiences. “Our study groups have gone deep analysing various trends, be it rioting, fire, student protest or communal clashes. We have a network established with disaster management teams too,” he said.
When countered that despite the best SOPs in place, the police were often accused of reacting late, Mirji sought for examples and denied such allegations.
Affirming that Bangalore was a safe city for journalists to execute their job, Mirji said there were some stray incidents that have hit the morale of the media. “I haven’t received any complaints from journalists wanting protection. In Karnataka, journalism has exposed many ill-deeds and corruption scandals.”