Check crime, says UP CM

Apparently concerned over the ‘negative’ image of his government following a spurt in crimes, especially against women in UP in the past few days, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav asked officials to take preventive measures to check crime.

At a meeting of senior officials of the civil adminstration and police department here on Tuesday, Akhilesh said UP was not only the most populous state in the country but was also the “most sensitive” state.

“Anything that happens here catches the attention of people quickly. The local administration must not give any chance to anyone to show the state in a negative light,” he said.

He was apparently referring to the widespread criticism of his government over a large number of incidents of rapes in different parts of the state as well as killing of a senior BJP leader in Greater Noida.

Referring to the alleged gang-rape and murder of two teenage cousins in Budaon, Akhilesh said the local officials should have taken steps immediately after the incident.

“The image of the government depends on the working of the administration,” he said.

Akhilesh made it clear that honest and efficient officials will be given full protection while lax ones will be taken to task.

“There cannot be any compromise on law and order,” he said.

Akhilesh appeared to be upset over the spurt in crime in the past few days. He said the government was in no mood to be lenient with lax officials.

Officials shunted

The government had recently shunted over 100 IAS and IPS officers, who included several district magistrates and police chiefs.

Akhilesh said district magistrates should keep watch on the quality of basic projects in their districts and take quick action in case of corruption.

He said that from his surprise inspection of Shravasti district, it became clear that at several places senior officers, including district magistrates, do not have information about ongoing development works.

Akhilesh also warned that incidents like smuggling of cattle, illegal mining and atrocities against women must be stopped effectively.

Chief Secretary Alok Ranjan said law and order was the top priority of the government, and directed that a policy of “zero tolerance” should be adopted in cases related to crime against women.

“The type of work expected from the administration and police in district was not being done,” Ranjan told reporters quoting the Chief Minister.