The brazen killing of Munna Bajrangi has triggered the fear of revival of gang wars in UP after a lull. It has also exposed the lack of security in jails in the state. In an interview with Namita Bajpai, state DGP O P Singh assures of “strictest action” against anyone found guilty of laxity.
How do you see Munna Bajrangi’s killing in Baghpat jail?
It was a gang war inside the jail, undoubtedly. The perpetrator of the crime, is a gangster... Probe at different levels is on and all facts and plots will come out in open. Whosoever is found guilty of laxity at whichever level will face strictest action.
Bajrangi’s wife had expressed apprehension about threat to his life. What steps were taken to address her concerns?
Not only was his security enhanced by the jail administration but we also took precautions while shifting Bajrangi from Jhansi jail to Baghpat jail. We had upgraded his security in Jhansi... We deputed two doctors who accompanied him from Jhansi to Baghpat along with an ambulance.
As per reports, one of the two doctors who accompanied him was a paediatrician and the other anaesthesiologist?
Yes, but they were MBBS doctors who were capable enough of extending primary treatment. However, it is not the prerogative of the police department to select the doctors. It is decided by the jail administration.
Do you think Bajrangi’s killing will trigger a fresh wave of gang war in the state?
We are watching the situation. Our intelligence machinery has been geared up and we have activated Special Task Force (STF) and other units to keep a tab on any such activity. We are also keeping a close watch on the premises outside jails.
What steps are being taken to improve jail security?
It does not come under my ambit of responsibilities. It’s taken care of by the home department.
UP government is under fire over police encounters?
These are police engagements with hardened criminals and anti-social elements… So far we have had over 1500 engagements of this kind… In this pursuit, there have been instances when they attacked the cops… So far, we have seized over 10,000 firearms... When the police party is attacked, it retaliates and some criminals are killed in such engagements. We have ensured that whenever a criminal is killed in such engagement, a report is lodge, a magisterial probe is conducted by an independent agency and the NHRC is duly informed. In most of the cases, the inquiry has been completed, submitted and accepted by the court. So everything is transparent for everyone to see.