09-28-2011, 05:14 PM
[size="3"][url="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/opinion/edit-page/Protector-Turns-Predator/articleshow/10145541.cms"]Protector Turns Predator[/url] : TOI, Sep 28, 2011
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Quote:In another shocking incident of police brutality, a truck driver was allegedly clubbed to death for refusing to pay a bribe of Rs 5,000 by constables of the regional transport office in Chandauli. What's more, this is the second such incident reported in a month from UP. Similarly, the police firing on protesting farmers in Pune back in August that left three dead is an example of the blatant disregard for human life that our men in uniform sport. The brutality with which lives are snuffed out point to a culture of barbarity that has taken root within the police system.
The problem stems from the fact that our police continue to operate under colonial systems and laws that were designed to subjugate a restive population. The transition to a modern force aimed at serving the public never took place. This has created a policing system that feels its authority over public life is paramount. Even when violent demonstrations occur there is a case for use of non-lethal force, such as water cannon or rubber bullets, in order to subdue demonstrators. But that almost never happens, with police graduating to live bullets straightaway.
Adding to the existing systemic woes are poor service conditions. According to a 2009 Human Rights Watch report, police forces in India are overstretched, overworked and forced to serve in tough conditions without any incentives. This was once again highlighted by the recent revolt of West Bengal armed police personnel serving in the states Maoist-infested areas. Despite their dangerous service assignment, the men were housed in a dilapidated camp with no proper amenities. A CRPF unit asked to stay at the camp refused on grounds that it was unlivable. Factor in that India has a police-to-population ratio of 126 per one lakh people around half the UN-recommended figure and it is not difficult to see why policing is a thankless job.
Underpaid and neglected, it doesn't take much for our policemen to succumb to the temptation of taking short cuts and abusing their authority. And thanks to political patronage, most policemen feel they can get away with impunity for nefarious deeds. This has resulted in a complete lack of accountability to the public, with marginalised sections of society bearing the brunt of police atrocities. The remedy lies in meting out exemplary punishment to erring officers, as well as extensive police reforms. The latter need to focus on better pay and service conditions, and implementing modern police practices aimed at creating a people-friendly force.
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