Patna, Sep 24 (PTI) Days after the assault of a teenage boy and a girl in Bihar’s Jamui district, Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit on Thursday asked district magistrates and superintendents of police to intensify patrolling and warned officers of strict action if they are found to be performing poorly.
He also directed the DMs and SPs to take swift and stringent action against those spreading fake news aimed at disturbing social harmony and peace.
The chief secretary chaired a high-level meeting with them through a video conference and asked them to adopt a “rapid action policy” against misleading information and ensure immediate action against those sharing fake news.
He also stressed the need for zero tolerance towards crime and directed SPs to take full responsibility for law and order in their respective districts.
With a “crime-free society” as the key objective, the chief secretary stressed that there would be no compromise on the administration’s authority, and that visible changes on the ground must be ensured without delay.
“During the meeting, the CS mentioned that the performance of district magistrates and SPs would be continuously assessed based on their response time, public feedback and the security situation on the ground,” said a statement issued by the Cabinet Secretariat Department.
He also cited the prompt response of the Jamui district police to a recent incident as an example for other districts to follow, it said.
A teenage boy and girl returning from coaching classes in Jamui were stopped by a group of men on Saturday evening, surrounded, questioned and subjected to assault and molestation before being allowed to leave.
During the meeting, the chief secretary called for “intensified patrolling, frequent field visits and strict monitoring up to the sub-divisional level”.
“Officers found to be lax or performing poorly will be removed from their posts and will face strict action,” he said.
The chief secretary directed police and administrative officials to ensure that criminals fear the law, warning that laxity in maintaining law and order will not be tolerated.
“SPs must take full responsibility for law and order in their respective districts and lead their forces effectively,” Amrit said.
Police units were asked to remain active and alert on the roads and set up checkposts at strategic locations to curb criminal activities.
He also directed that police headquarters officials be tagged with districts for field visits and overnight stays to strengthen ground-level monitoring.
In view of the upcoming festival season, the DMs and the SPs were asked to maintain heightened vigilance, strengthen local intelligence networks and ensure public safety, it added. PTI PKD BDC
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