BENGALURU: The new Director General and Inspector General of Police, Neelamani N Raju, who is the first woman officer to hold the post in the state, has a few immediate challenges before here — the upcoming Tipu Jayanti celebrations and the Assembly election. During an interaction, she said she is confident of handling the issues responsibly. Excerpts from an interview:
You are the first woman DG&IGPP of state, and in a male-dominated organisation, how will you go about your role? What women-centric policies do you have?
Honestly speaking, I never saw myself as a woman officer. I have always considered myself ‘an officer’. So the question of male and female doesn’t arise here. Being a woman, I agree that a lot of sensitivity has to be brought in. Crimes against women will also be dealt with sensitivity. I accept there are issues regarding making police stations women-friendly but over the years, the department has brought in a lot of change. When I joined service in Karnataka back in 1985, there were only three women officers including me. There are many women police personnel now. I will definitely want police stations to become friendly to everybody, particularly to women.
You have served in the state for very less time and you have mostly been on central deputation. How aware are you with the issues in the police department in Karnataka?
Though I have worked for less time in Karnataka, I know the state well as I have worked here for 10 years. Even when I was on central deputation, I have worked in Karnataka on some assignments. I have been working in Karnataka full time since one-and-half year. What matters is the intensity of the experience and not the length of time.
You have taken over as state police chief in an election year. How do you plan to handle it?
Yes, it is a challenge and a huge responsibility on my shoulders. At the same time, it’s also a honour for me and I am sure of carrying out the responsibility to the satisfaction of everyone.
Political interference in policing has always been a concern. How will you deal with it?
Honestly, I have never experienced political interference in my work, neither at the Centre or during my tenure in Karnataka. Every organ of the government has tasks cut out for it. I feel there has to be a certain synergy among them to carry out works efficiently.
The state government is gearing up to celebrate Tipu Jayanti, but the opposition is against it. This could lead to law and order issues. What plans do you have to tackle it?
Yes, I agree that’s one of the major challenges. A team of officers is already on it to ensure maintenance of law and order. Plans are already afoot and I will also look into it in the coming days. I am confident of handling the situation and I am available 24x7 to address any situation.
There are many unsolved cases, including the rationalist M M Kalburgi and journalist Gauri Lankesh murders. Also, conviction rate is low.
All unsolved cases are important and will be looked into it. There are few issues regarding prosecution, which may be due to overwork. Investigations may have affected. But there are also other factors involved which may have affected prosecution and it will be looked into. This has been considered seriously and district -level officers and senior officials are already on it.