Chandigarh, August 8: Former Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Shashikant has responded to the transfer of Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh. He discussed the process of transfers within the police administration and the ongoing political influence over policing. Shashikant also shared his views on the potential alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiromani Akali Dal following a recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Akali leader Sukhbir Singh Badal.
Regarding the transfer of Commissioner Gurpreet Singh, Shashikant emphasized that it is inappropriate to draw conclusions based on a single incident. He noted that transfers and administrative decisions are part of the operational framework in government jobs. Gurpreet Singh likely gathered information based on his intelligence sources and available data, and Shashikant expressed confidence in his capabilities. He praised Gurpreet Singh as one of the best officers he has worked with, highlighting his competence and excellence among senior officials.
On the increasing politicization of the police, Shashikant remarked that this is not a new phenomenon. He claimed that such situations existed during his tenure and continue to prevail in nearly every state today. He explained that the police operate under government authority, making them susceptible to the influence of government policies and political structures. Officers who do not align with governmental operations often face transfers. Shashikant stated that completely eliminating this system is challenging, as the administrative framework operates in this manner.
Commenting on the meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Sukhbir Singh Badal, Shashikant noted that dialogue and coalition possibilities always exist in politics. He recalled that the BJP and the Shiromani Akali Dal have previously governed together for extended periods. Statements from Akali leaders have periodically suggested the potential for a renewed partnership between the two parties.
With assembly elections scheduled for next year, Shashikant pointed out that all political parties are currently focused on strengthening their electoral strategies. He suggested that political discussions likely took place during the meeting between Modi and Badal, emphasizing that any political party has the right to form alliances before or after elections.
Addressing law and order in Punjab, Shashikant stated that challenges are not unique to Punjab but are present in nearly all states across the country. He cited Uttar Pradesh as an example, where issues like gangsters and political crimes persist. The police profession is highly challenging, requiring officers to confront new situations regularly. Anti-social and anti-national elements remain active, making it difficult for any government to eliminate these threats entirely. He noted that incidents of sacrilege were significant issues during the previous Badal government, while violence and other serious events also occurred during the Congress administration. Thus, the challenge of maintaining law and order is not confined to any single government.
Shashikant further explained that there is always a competitive dynamic between police and criminals. Sometimes the police gain the upper hand, while at other times, criminals may outpace them. He concluded that completely eradicating crime within a democratic framework is not feasible.
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