Kidnap biggest concern - Multiple challenges await DGP-in-waiting

Abhayanand. Telegraph picture

Patna, Aug. 26: The task of taming the monster of kidnapping awaits Abhayanand when he takes over as the new director-general of police (DGP) on September 1.

The ascent of this 1977 batch IPS officer to the high chair has aroused a great hope among the people of the state. For, Abhayanand’s bold steps tamed notorious gangs of kidnappers in West Champaran, also known as the mini Chambal of Bihar. He was the superintendent of police of West Champaran in 1992-93.

“I still remember how Abhayanand created a fear psychosis in the minds of the criminals involved in kidnapping and dacoity in the district, which shares its borders with UP in south-west and Nepal in the north,” said Upendra Nath Tiwary, a senior journalist of Bettiah.

Tiwary said Abhayanand had initiated the process of attachment of property of the notorious criminals, including Bhagar Yadav, whose name spelt terror in the region. “The credit goes to Abhayanand for nailing the dreaded gangsters of Champaran, who were virtually running a parallel administration in the country-side,” he added.

Abhayanand is taking over the rein of the state police administration at a time when the ghost of kidnapping, particularly those of school children, has started haunting the minds of the people again.

Another big challenge for the new DGP is the changing profile of the criminals.

“The police are yet to gear up to deal with cyber crime. The involvement of the youngsters, who did not have past records, has posed a new challenge to the police,” an officer said.

Naxalism is another problem that Abhayanand has to confront. Containing crime on the borders with Nepal and Bangladesh would also be a big challenge for the police.

As the incidents of mob violence are showing upward trend in the recent past, the new DGP would have to take tough stand against those who take law in their hands.

Another big task for Abhayanand would be to change the face of the police machinery. There is need to make the men in uniform more professional, people-friendly and transparent.