Masuri police tread with caution, stop probe of petty cases too

When the concentration is on returning normalcy to the area, a detention in a theft case, for instance, will do more harm than good. People will think that the action is being taken for the riots, police said

Work at Masuri police station is moving at a cautioned and slow pace. Fearing a fresh round of rumours, personnel at the station are not conducting investigations into any cases filed, even if they are not related to the recent riots.

Officers confirmed that while complaints are being written down, policemen are not sent to question the accused — even in cases of petty theft — so as not to scare the local residents.

Police said the priority, at the moment, is to restore confidence of the public and stop the continous exodus from the area.

"Since Friday, close to 45 complaints have been registered with us. These are of theft and loot. Some of them relate to instances on the night of Friday, when families left their homes and returned to find things missing. While complaints are being noted down, the instructions to policemen are to stay away from the residences of people to restore confidence," an officer said.

Police said there was a major chance that local residents would misconstrue arrest or detention in an unrelated case for one connected to the riots.

"The life in the area is slowly coming back to normal. Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code has also been relaxed, and will gradually be lifted. When our concentration is on returning normalcy, a detention in a theft case, for instance, will do more harm than good. Local people will think that the action is being taken for the riots and people could start leaving again," an officer said.

In a peace meeting with elders of the community, issues of fear were discussed.

... contd.

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