HC sore about inadequate publicity of northeast helpline

Expressing displeasure over adequate publicity not being given to the helpline set up for northeast people to prevent offences against them, the Delhi High Court Wednesday directed police to widely publicise the number.

A division bench of Acting Chief Justice B.D. Ahmed and Justice Siddharth Mridul asked Delhi Police why they have not publicised the helpline number 1093 on TV, radio and in print media for wider reach.

"With regard to our direction to give adequate publicity on the helpline number for northeast people, Delhi Police indicated that handbills have been displayed and notices pasted in police stations," the bench observed.

"However, we think wider publicity is needed and it should use radio, TV, and print media to advertise the helpline number," it said, seeking a status report on the issue.

It also asked police to file a status report on the "actual" steps taken on sensitisation of police personnel about problems faced by northeast people in the city.

On police complaints filed by northeast people, officials informed the court that with regard to 47 complaints received on the helpline, FIRs have been registered in 15 complaints.

In four cases, the suspects could not be traced, while in 28 complaints investigation is on.

The court earlier directed police to file a status report giving details of action taken by them on the 47 complaints received from northeast people on the helpline.

It also asked the centre to file a status report on its proposed move to seek policemen from the northeast to be posted on deputation with Delhi Police.

The court posted the matter for April 30.

The court was hearing a case where it took suo motu cognizance of the Jan 29 attack on Nido Tania, son of Arunachal Pradesh Congress legislator Nido Pavitra, by shopkeepers in south Delhi's Lajpat Nagar market following a row over his appearance and clothing. He died in a hospital the next day.