Kotkhai rape case: DGP says people's confidence in police hit

Himachal Pradesh DGP Somesh Goyal todaysaid the people's confidence in the police had been hit by the developments in the Kotkhai rape and murder case, and the death of an accused in custody.
Effective steps must be taken to re-build the confidence of the people in the 16,000 strong police force, 95 per cent of which is constabulary, the state police chief told civilians at an interaction organised by the police here.
Two unfortunate incidents have occurred, but these cannot project the entire police force in the same light, he said.
On July 4, a minor girl was allegedly raped and killed, and her body was found two days later, following which six people were arrested. But one of the accused - Suraj - died in police custody.

"We are facing turbulent times, but I cannot bebogged down by it and stop leading as it is a big question of restoring the confidence of the people.
"We were in dilemma whether to hold the interactive session, but then we thought it was proper to go with it, to maintaintransparency," the DGP said.

Goyal said there was a need to infuse a sense that policing is a service and added that he pained when he had to intervene to get FIRs registered.
"Registration of FIR should not be denied," he said.
The DGP said raising recruitment for the force was on his agenda.

"My focus is on the constabulary, which is 95 per cent of the police force, and we need to empower them as they are the the real face of the police. I want to erase the trust deficit within the department and want my constables to come to me directly and talk about their problems," Goyal said.
The investigation wing of the state police would be strengthened and services of officers, who have worked in the CBI, will be utilised, he said.
Former CBI director Ashwani Kumar presided over the session and said "only the cops are accountable for police reforms".

Kumar said aptitude test should be held for students aspiring to join the police after Class 12.