Gangrape a turning point: Top cop

Terming the incident of gangrape of the 23-year-old paramedic student on the night of December 16 a “turning point” for the Delhi Police, City Police Commissioner Neeraj Kumar on Friday said the safety of women in the capital was a top priority for the force.

Neeraj Kumar was speaking at the annual press conference of the force. He said the incident has the “power, strength and propulsion” to bring about major changes in the way crime against women is dealt with in the capital.

“It is not only a watershed incident for the Delhi Police but for the history of criminal justice system of India. It has the power, strength and propulsion to bring about major changes in the way offences against women are dealt with by police, courts and medical teams,” Kumar said.

When asked whether he should have resigned in the wake of the outrage over the incident, Kumar said, “No, not at all. I do not think I should have resigned because my work is to lead the force and not turn my back and run at such a crucial period. I will continue to lead the force till the government has faith in me.”

With the number of rape cases reported in the city rising from 572 in 2011 to 706 in 2012, the police chief emphasised the need for ensuring women’s security and listed out several steps initiated by the force in

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