Delhi a safer place now, traffic smoother: Delhi Police chief B K Gupta

From tackling crime to cracking down on terrorism, his journey as the police chief of the country’s capital has been far from easy. Though he insists there were no panic moments, he admits that Delhi is a difficult city to handle. Dwaipayan Ghosh and Raj Shekhar Jha in conversation with the commissioner of police, Brijesh Kumar Gupta, a day before he retires.
What were your priorities when you began your stint as the Delhi Police chief? When you look back do you think you have done a good job?
I had a three-point agenda — tackling law and order, confronting terror and disciplining traffic. And the results have been positive. The crime rate has gone down — we have witnessed a 25% drop in crime-related calls made to the PCR — and there has also been a significant improvement in traffic management.
Did you have a success mantra?
You just have to understand the basics of policing. Motivating the lowest level of the constabulary is important as these personnel help us make the biggest breakthroughs. Whether it be the Dhaula Kuan gangrape case or the Radhika Tanwar case it was constables who received the tip-offs. Each time a case was cracked, I made it a point to congratulate the entire team.
What was your most memorable moment as the commissioner?
Frankly, cracking the Israeli diplomat case and arresting Indian Mujahideen operatives were the high points. The arrest of Abu Jundal was the icing on the cake.
Any regrets?
From day one I wanted to have the city under electronic surveillance. The Intelligent Traffic signalling System (ITS) was an integral part of this vision. However, undue delays and last-minute changes stopped us from implementing it. I would want my successor to take it up.
Did you find taking decisions difficult due to political interference?
There was no political interference. And as far as decision making is concerned, I did not hesitate in consulting my colleagues before arriving at a conclusion. When you are not autocratic, you face lesser problems.
Any message for Delhi Police?
I would like cops to become more people-friendly as it will project a more positive image of the department.
What are your post-retirement plans?
I want to spend more time with family. I am going to concentrate on my fitness and practice more Yoga. I am also planning to join Facebook.