Cops may replace CISF in Delhi Metro

Move to place Delhi Police in charge

Delhi Police might get the responsibility for the overall security of the capital’s Metro network. The Union Urban Development Ministry has recommended that the city police are better equipped to handle the security of the Delhi Metro than the paramilitary CISF, an official said.

Accordingly, assigning security duties to Delhi Police would be better, in view of better integration, coordination with local police, crowd management and overall law and order besides economies of scale”.

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is looking after the overall security of 129 Metro stations across the city. Delhi Police register any crime committed inside the Metro premises and also conduct the probe. 

Some 5,000 CISF personnel guard the Metro. But Delhi Police personnel who are deployed to investigate crimes are few in number. 

“The Quick Reaction Teams of Delhi Police which are presently for an area can be assigned the responsibility of specific Metro stations also falling within its jurisdiction,” said the recommendation.

“Furthermore, profiling 

can be done better by Delhi Police as compared to CISF,” it added.

Former Delhi Police commissioner B K Gupta said, “CISF doesn’t have the power of investigation. Their network from the local level to perceiving terror threats is also very weak. So Delhi Police would be a better option.”

According to a Delhi Police officer who did not wish to be named, victims of crimes taking place inside the Metro often face problems like delays in action as police are not directly connected with security.

“If a passenger finds a pick pocket inside a running train, the only option he or she has is to call the Metro staff or police control room by dialing 100. When the Metro stops at a station, the victim contacts the Metro staff and then the personnel transfer the matter to police; the whole thing gets delayed,” the officer said.

“If overall security comes under Delhi Police, it would be more effective,” Gupta said.