In an unusual appeal, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today urged people not to remain "mute spectators" but "take action" against perpetrators of violence on women, saying Delhi Police with unbridled powers has become "totally unaccountable".
In two audio messages released on social media hours after his meeting with Police Commissioner B S Bassi, he appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to spare at least an hour every week to address the capital's deteriorating law-and -order situation.
Kejriwal made a reference to the gruesome murder of a 19-year old girl in Anand Parbat area last week and lambasted Delhi Police for failing to ensure safety of women in the city.
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"I agree that if anyone is stabbing a girl, then one does feel scared. What if I am attacked? What if your sister or daughter was in place of that girl. Next time you see a wrong thing happening, then place your sister or mother in her place. Do not remain mute spectators. You will get strength from within to take action. God will help you," he said.
Asking people to take a vow that they will not remain mute spectators to crime against women, Kejriwal said law and order has totally collapsed and that women were feeling increasingly unsafe.
The Kejriwal-Bassi meeting, which was expected to soothe nerves, ended up widening the rift between the AAP government and police with Delhi Home Minister Satyendar Jain taking on the force over several issues.
"Let's take a pledge. Next time when we see any such kind of a thing, we will not remain mute spectators and try to stop the crime. Next time raise your voice and you will find people will help you. We all will try and only then Delhi will become safe," Kejriwal said.
Reiterating his demand for handing over of Delhi Police to the city government, he also sought Modi's intervention in improving the law and order situation.
"I want to appeal to the Prime Minister with my hands folded. 'Sir, you know Delhi government has no control over the Delhi Police. Legally, Delhi Police comes directly under you and you are not being able to give time for it.
"You are the PM and you have to handle the entire country... The Delhi Police has become 'nirankush' (totally unaccountable). It has unbridled power and nobody has control over it," said Kejriwal.
He urged Modi to spare at least an hour for law and order situation in the capital every week.
"Sir, it is not the case that the police are bad, but the system is bad. They themselves are unhappy. I have one request. Either spare an hour on Delhi's law and order and make them accountable.
"Or hand over the control of Delhi Police to us. Together with people, we will improve the functioning of the Delhi Police," said Kejriwal in his appeal to Modi.
