Rattled by the spate of atrocities against Dalits and other criminal activities, Chief Minister Mayawati cracked the whip on Friday by issuing stern directives to the police officers. They have been asked to provide adequate security and justice to the Dalits, women and the others in the state.

Mayawati said three separate orders have been issued by the government to the district police chiefs and DIGs of all the ranges to contain crime against women and Dalits as well as prevent incidents of caste and communal clashes.

In case of laxity in compliance with the fresh government directives, the police officers will have to face the punishment, she said.

According to Mayawati, the old mindset of caste-based inequality and discrimination was still prevalent in the society and justice remained a far cry for the SCs and STs.

In the event of any incident of atrocity against a Dalit, the DIG, SSP or the SP of the district will have to visit the place of the incident.

The police officers have been directed to furnish an “action taken report” to the DGP and the state government as well.

The government has also directed the district police chiefs to launch a campaign against the criminals and be alert against caste and communal violence cases. She said similar directives as in case of SC and ST will apply here also.

Regarding the incident in Meerut, where the 15-year-old son of a local trader was abducted and later killed, Mayawati said if needed the state government may order an inquiry by the crime branch of the CID into the incident.