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‘Kolkata not a terrorists’ hideout but a transit route’

Express news service

Posted online: Sunday, February 03, 2008 at 0056 hrs IST

Kolkata, February 2
Kolkata police chief Gautam Mohan Chakrabarti admitted that the city offers a transit route to terrorists, but it has not become their hideout.

“We have intercepted terrorist modules in recent times, but it is wrong to say that Kolkata has become a hideout for them,” the police chief said on Saturday, during an interactive session organised by the Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce.

During the session, the city’s industrialists and businessmen expressed their concern about the law and order situation and the traffic problem in the city. They also pointed to the poor police-to-people ratio and reports that the city is becoming a safe haven for criminals, anti-socials elements and terrorists.

On the issue of a universal system of registration of FIRs, Chakrabarti said: “People can register their FIRs at any police station which in turn will forward the complaint to the police station concerned in whose jurisdiction the case lies.”

However, it is advisable to lodge the complaint under the correct police station to avoid any unnecessary delay in investigation. It would also minimise the loss of evidence owing to delays, he added.

He said that at least 10 per cent of the total police force constituted should comprise of women police officers and constables and a proposal in this regard has already been sent to the state government for approval.

“All police stations in Kolkata have women personnel, but that is not enough. We are the first police force in the country to send such a proposal of women constituting at least 10 per cent of the total police force,” he said.

He said that with the Centre agreeing to allocate Rs 28 crore fund, the city’s police would soon be modernised.

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‘Kolkata not a terrorists’ hideout but a transit route’ Express news service Posted online: Sunday, February 03, 2008 at 0056 hrs IST Kolkata, February 2 Kolkata police chief Gautam Mohan Chakrabarti admitted that the city offers a transit route to terrorists, but it has not become their hideout. “We have intercepted terrorist modules in recent times, but it is wrong to say that Kolkata has become a hideout for them,” the police chief said on Saturday, during an interactive session organised by the Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce. During the session, the city’s industrialists and businessmen expressed their concern about the law and order situation and the traffic problem in the city. They also pointed to the poor police-to-people ratio and reports that the city is becoming a safe haven for criminals, anti-socials elements and terrorists. On the issue of a universal system of registration of FIRs, Chakrabarti said: “People can register their FIRs at any police station which in turn will forward the complaint to the police station concerned in whose jurisdiction the case lies.” However, it is advisable to lodge the complaint under the correct police station to avoid any unnecessary delay in investigation. It would also minimise the loss of evidence owing to delays, he added. He said that at least 10 per cent of the total police force constituted should comprise of women police officers and constables and a proposal in this regard has already been sent to the state government for approval. “All police stations in Kolkata have women personnel, but that is not enough. We are the first police force in the country to send such a proposal of women constituting at least 10 per cent of the total police force,” he said. He said that with the Centre agreeing to allocate Rs 28 crore fund, the city’s police would soon be modernised.