New police chiefs,old priorities

“Obviously,terrorism continues to be a priority,and the biggest challenge will be to keep the city more safe. There are also concerns about crimes against senior citizens,women and children,as well as crime in general. But at the same time,I do not come with any preconceived notions. I will have to sit down with my team and understand the problems first,” said Dayal.

From the 1977 batch of the IPS,Dayal has his colleagues’ respect with an unblemished record . He has kept a low profile so far.

He began as an Additional SP in Nashik,and has over the years held a number of varied posts. He has served in the city on three previous occasions — as Deputy CP in various suburban zones between 1982 and 1986,as Additional CP (West) from 1993 to 1995,and as Joint CP (Administration) between 2002 and 2003. Other posts he has held include SP in Nanded and Amravati,Director of the Maharashtra Police Academy for two years,central deputations with the Intelligence Bureau from 1988 to 1992 and the Special Protection Group from 1995 to 2002,as well as Additional DG (Law and Order) for four years. As Additional DG (Spl Operations),he had the state ATS and Force One reporting to him.

On police modernisation initiatives since 26/11,Dayal said he would strive to advance the steps already taken. “A lot of good systems have been put in place such as the QRT and Force One. We need to strengthen these systems and place them on a better footing. Modernisation will continue to take place. As far as intelligence gathering is concerned,I will have to sit with my team and understand the issues,” said the new Police Commissioner.

He added the police would continue to discuss issues concerning the force’s limitations on coastal policing with the Centre,and that these issues were being resolved.

Asked how he would deal with political violence,Dayal said,“The law and the Constitution are very clear. In such cases we will go strictly by the law.”

On corruption and allegations of fake encounters,Dayal said,“The image of the police concerns the senior leadership. There are some thoughts regarding this,but they need to be concretised. The issue of corruption is a huge issue and we need to see what best we can do to counter it. All encounters are not fake. Whoever is embroiled in such allegations will have to face the court. There is no brief for any of us to stage encounters.”