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Radhey Shyam Gupta, who took over from Ajai Raj Sharma as Delhi's commissioner of police on Monday morning, said his first and foremost task would be to strengthen the anti-terrorist network of the force.
Addressing his first press conference as police chief, Gupta said his force would make it difficult for criminals to come to the capital, commit crimes and get away.
"I was part of the team which met the terrorist challenges successfully in the last three years," he said. "I have worked in almost all departments of the force in the last 34 years of my service and I feel there is a need to strengthen the special cell that deals with anti-terrorist operations. My first task is to ensure that not only VVIPs but even the common citizen feels secure."
Gupta refused to spell out details of how he would strengthen the anti-terrorist cell. "Please leave some things to us as well," he quipped.
He disagreed with a suggestion that policemen below the rank of inspector are 'bonded labourers' who are made to work almost round the clock. "I do not agree with the term used in the question," he retorted. "Those who feel they are bonded labourers are free to leave the Delhi police."
Gupta admitted that a lot needs to be done to improve the service conditions, living quarters, and welfare of policemen. But he warned that there would be no place for non-performers.
An officer of the 1968 batch of the Indian Police Service, Gupta was chosen over Ajay Aggarwal, who currently heads Tihar Jail, and S Ramakrishna, who heads the Home Guards.
Sharma took over as director general of the Border Security Force from Gurbachan Jagat on Sunday before passing on the commissioner's baton to Gupta on Monday morning. Jagat has retired from service.
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