Delhi Police doesn't work under any political pressure: BS Bassi in his farewell speech

Outgoing Delhi Police Commissioner BS Bassi downplayed the criticism that Delhi Police failed to function properly and perform its duties under his regime.

New Delhi: Outgoing Delhi Police Commissioner BS Bassi on Monday downplayed the criticism that Delhi Police failed to function properly and perform its duties under his regime and said that it is always committed to serve everybody with the same sense of duty.

Speaking to reporters today, Bassi said that it is a common misconception that Delhi Police works under political pressure. "While I take your leave as Delhi Commissioner, I would like to clarify that Delhi Police does not work under any political pressure. Please remove that misunderstanding."

"It would be wrong to say that Delhi Police has unbridles power with it," he added.

Bassi was speaking at his farewell function held in New Delhi.

"Those who have questions regarding Delhi police autonomy, I want to take them back to history," said the officer, who retires today after a three-year term as Delhi Police Commissioner.

Bassi also thanked his entire team of Delhi Police for being a firm support and wished them success in their future endeavors.

"The Delhi Police is a great force, the support of my 80,000 plus strong personnel has been my biggest strength. They never allowed work pressure to take a toll on me," he asserted.

Bassi further said that the people from different parts of India live in Delhi, adding the police is committed to serve them all with the same sense of duty. "Be it a department or an individual-all have negatives and positives. It's our duty to encourage positives and work towards reducing negatives," he said.

While he became popular as 'App commissioner' in Delhi Police circles for the mobile applications he launched, Bassi's tenure as police chief saw run-ins with the Aam Aadmi Party government and a raging controversy over his decisions concerning the JNU row.

He was accused of taking excessive action against JNU students over an event held to protest against hanging of Afzal Guru, he also faced allegations of failing to check two violence incidents by a section of lawyers at Patiala House court in New Delhi.

Bassi, 59, who was seen as a contender for the post of information commissioner, was ignored for the post following objections from the Congress.

1979-batch IPS officer Alok Kumar Verma will take over as the Commissioner of Police of Delhi from incumbent BS Bassi on March 1, 2016.