Zee Media Bureau
New Delhi: In an unusual scenario, the newly-inducted Delhi government and police are at loggerheads over the latter`s alleged refusal to act against sex and drug gangs.
Delhi Law Minister Somnath Bharti`s attempt to carry out a surprise raid last evening on what he alleged was a drug and prostitution ring ended in an unseemly roadside argument between the minister and the Delhi Police and is now snowballing into a controversy. Notably, Bharti had been pulled up recently by a court for "tampering with evidence" in a case he handled last year.
According to police, Bharti tried to push them to conduct a search on a building without a warrant, and interrogate women, which is impermissible after sunset. However, Bharti said a warrant is not required in "emergency situations".
Bharti carried out raids in South Delhi`s Khirki Extension late last night.
Bharti and his supporters alleged that a sex trade and drug peddling racket was flourishing in the locality with the help of foreign nationals, mostly Nigerians.
Bharti had a hot argument with an assistant commissioner of police, even as his supporters created a lot of commotion.
Bharti demanded that the police take action against the offenders.
Later, Bharti told media that Malviya Nagar police station officer Vijay Pal, who had come to the spot, went away without taking any action.
"We came here with a police gypsy and some of the girls tried to run away. We managed to stop two of them red-handed. Another car came with three girls," he added.
"A local said the building is full of girls. We called police. First, they took much time to come here, and then, left us by refusing to raid the premises. They are not listening to me," the Law Minister said.
"The police`s enquiry is very unsuccessful. They are not willing to search. All of the women are Nigerian," Bharti said.
Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal asked police to suspend four of its officers for allegedly refusing to act against sex and drug gangs, and in a case of burning a woman.
As Delhi is not a full-fledged state, the Delhi Police does not report to the city government.
