Delhi Police courted much criticism for the brutality they exhibited while dealing with demonstrations that broke out in the aftermath of the December 16 gangrape and murder.

Delhi Police courted much criticism for the brutality they exhibited while dealing with demonstrations that broke out in the aftermath of the December 16 gangrape and murder. Delhi Police courted much criticism for the brutality they exhibited while dealing with demonstrations that broke out in the aftermath of the December 16 gangrape and murder.

If the past experiences of citizens are anything to go by, the 85,000 strong Delhi Police fails to follow its much-vaunted motto "Shanti , Sewa, Nyaya (peace, service & justice)" in letter and spirit.

The city cops list women's safety high among its priorities, but a recent incident has exposed its hollow claim. A 22-year-old girl was molested in South-East Delhi's Amar Colony when she was leaving the police station. Before molesting the girl, the accused misbehaved with her outside the police station. No police personnel came to her help. The accused also threatened her of dire consequences if she approached the police again.

Even in registration of cases, many citizens have been left with bitter memories. Sample this: A senior assistant manager of a prominent electronic company was made to run pillar to post to register a theft complaint of his laptop that an auto-rickshaw driver had drove off with from the IGI Airport's Terminal-1 in November last year.

The case was only registered after over eight months. And instead of helping the citizens, there are cases in which complaints have been made against the police for "harassing" the complainants. Money is sometimes sought from the complainants too. Recently, a resident of Tilak Nagar approached the Delhi Police's Anti-Corruption Branch and complained that the local station house officer was demanding Rs 20,000 from him to settle a property dispute.

Delhi Police statistics tell grim story of criminal personnel. Delhi Police statistics tell grim story of criminal personnel.

"The complainant had gone to a marriage ceremony of his cousin in UP when the local property dealer approached the SHO who sealed his home. The SHO demanded Rs 50,000 from the complainant to allow him access to the flat," a senior ACB officer said.

Mandakini Enclave-resident Ashutosh Dixit calls it a "clear deficit of training and manpower, which derails pro-active policing from Capital cops". "You call a PCR and the first question will be about jurisdiction. The response is abysmal. Surely, the level of public expectation from Capital police is not up to the mark," he said.

Another Delhiite, Vasant Kunj resident Amit Agarwal, also shared his "experience" about the policing in his area. "Whenever we complain to local police on the rise in crimes or slack in local security, the cops have a ready answer - increase security guards and be extra cautious about any stranger movement.

The police are hardly available on the beat,'' Agarwal said. The Delhi Police's Vigilance Department has not been able to prevent recurrence of such cases. Even in cases in which recommendations of action like suspension of erring policemen are made, action is taken in very few instances due to the alleged "directives" from the police brass.