Delhi CM for women safety force

Kejriwal vows to set up force similar to private security services; says it will report to Delhi government

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday vowed to set up a body, Mahila Suraksha Dal, for the protection of women in the city. On Tuesday, the Aam Aadmi Party leader had said Delhi Police be under the Delhi government instead of the Centre.

He had set up a panel under Delhi's chief secretary to look into the model of forming a security force for women, he said on the occasion of guard of honour by the Delhi police, Delhi Fire Services and National Cadet Corps, on the eve of the Republic Day here.

He said just as private security guards outside the house premises did not have police powers but protected civilians, the new force could be on similar lines. It could include retired army officers, retired police personnel and home guards.

The media cell of the party said no further details on this could be given as the party had only formed a panel.

The minister also talked about setting up fast-track courts to look into cases of rape and molestation.

He highlighted corruption and said the Delhi Jan Lok Pal Bill would be passed in February.

"The Bill is almost ready and we will call a special public gathering to pass it in February."

He said as a result of his anti-incumbency helpline, corruption in the city had reduced 20-30 per cent the last month.

He took a dig at the media towards the end of his speech. He said a few editors were telling reporters to file negative stories on the party.

"This is wrong. Some media heads are associated with one or the other party and I request them not to do this."

He ended the speech by singing Hum Honge Kaamyab, hindi translation of we shall overcome.

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Defending his two-day dharna in the heart of the capital, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday said he had done nothing against the Constitution and charged the police with clamping prohibitory orders after knowing about his plan.

Bharti forced to apologise
Delhi Law Minister Somnath Bharti on Saturday accused the media of accepting money from Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi to write news reports against his Aam Admi Party. He was forced to apologise after the party chief stepped in. On whether he would tender his resignation to the party, he had replied angrily: "How much money have you received from Modi?" Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said Bharti's remarks on the media were wrong.