Congress defends Delhi Police chief, dismisses Sheila Dikshit's call to sack him

NEW DELHI: Congress on Wednesday dismissed Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit's demand to sack Delhi Police Commissioner Neeraj Kumar over the gang-rape of a 23-year-old woman, saying suspending the top cop is not a solution.

Congress spokesperson Renuka Chowdhary said, "I don't see how suspending Delhi Police Commissioner is the answer. In reality, criminals responsible for the horrific incident were caught in record time. In fact, a lot of restraint was shown by the Delhi Police till some lumpen elements created problem."

Dikshit has been trying desperately to insulate her government from any blame for the gang-rape. Aware of the repercussions during assembly polls in late 2013, she is consciously putting pressure on the Centre for giving her control of law and order in the Capital.

Dikshit had triggered a controversy after she shot off a letter to home minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, demanding a inquiry into alleged "interference" by Delhi Police in recording of victim's statement by sub-divisional magistrate Usha Chaturvedi.

A day later, Kumar openly took on Dikshit, clarifying there was no interference. He also demanded a probe into how these letters were "leaked" to the media.

When asked whether the war of words had taken the focus away from the case, Chowdhary said, "Chief minister is a senior politician. I am not aware of the details. But I would like to assure you that there will be no compromise on the case or the inquiry per se."

On Dikshit's son Sandeep's demand seeking Kumar's resignation, Chowdhary said: " Sandeep Dikshit...is well within his right to demand anything." She said Congress was neither demanding nor rejecting the demand for Kumar's resignation. "I am only saying that let the inquiry end."