New Delhi, Oct. 15 -- Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar has told the Supreme Court that timely, proportionate and lawful measures helped avert a major public order situation during the October 10 protests in the national capital.
In an affidavit filed in a contempt case, Kumar tendered an unconditional and unqualified apology to the apex court and said preventive measures, including regulation of Metro services, were based on intelligence inputs and assessments of the evolving ground situation.
He said the steps were aimed at maintaining peace and tranquillity, adding that Delhi's status as the national capital demanded particular sensitivity to public order.
The affidavit cited the alleged history of mob violence, property damage and injuries linked to the organisation behind the protest, and said an incorrect narrative was being propagated about the police response.
The contempt case concerns alleged violation of the Supreme Court's direction that there should be no "complete prohibition" on Metro and train services during the protest.
On October 11, the court found a prima facie case and issued notices to Kumar, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and DMRC Chairperson D Thara. The protest was called by the Cockroach Janta Party seeking Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation over alleged electoral irregularities.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.