Whispers of Custodial Torture: A Disturbing Tale from Delhi's Underbelly

A Disturbing Allegation Emerges

Some narratives evade formal documentation or media coverage, instead circulating quietly in hushed tones. Currently, a troubling story is making the rounds, involving two student activists, a specialized unit of the Delhi Police known for counterterrorism, and allegations of severe custodial abuse.

Lakshita and Gurkirat claim that the physical assaults they faced, reportedly involving leather whips, stemmed not from political dissent but from a personal conflict linked to a prominent official's family.

Those familiar with the situation can easily connect the dots. The rumor mill suggests that a senior officer from the 1995 batch, who currently leads a national water mission and is well-connected, is at the center of this controversy. While her name is absent from the FIR, this is typical in such cases.

The notion that a private dispute could allegedly trigger a series of events resulting in unlawful detention and violence by a specialized police unit raises significant concerns. This situation should be alarming.

Despite the gravity of the allegations, there has been little public outcry or official statements, only a quiet sense of discomfort within the system. In Delhi, such whispers often convey more than formal announcements, highlighting the unseen exercise of power.

Leadership Changes in Delhi Police

Is the Chair Truly Occupied?

In Lutyens’ Delhi, temporary appointments often signify continuity. The recent decision to assign senior IPS officer SBK Singh to lead the Delhi Police in an additional capacity exemplifies this trend.

There is a sense of relief among officers, as after years of external appointments, one of their own finally occupies the top position. Singh, a 1988-batch officer, is familiar with the system and brings valuable institutional knowledge.

However, the details reveal a different story. His tenure is limited to six months, and retirement looms. This situation feels reminiscent of past interim appointments, such as SN Shrivastava, whose elevation occurred just before retirement. This pattern is not lost on the force.

What does this imply? Is it merely a temporary solution until a more permanent arrangement is established? While insiders may feel reassured, they recognize that an interim title often lacks full authority. With a ticking clock, it becomes challenging to implement long-term strategies. For now, the Delhi Police has a familiar face in charge, but whether it signifies stable leadership remains uncertain.

A Historic Shift in the Indian Forest Service

Breaking Barriers in Leadership

It's rare for a general body meeting of a civil service association to create significant buzz, but the Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Association has achieved just that, and without any dramatic gestures. For the first time, its national executive is entirely composed of women, marking a pivotal moment.

Jyotsna Sitling, a trailblazer in her field, now serves as Patron, while Anita Karan takes on the role of President, and Monalisa Dash acts as Secretary-General. This team, including Surbhi Rai, Suvvena Thakur, and Chestha Singh, represents a powerful statement that competence and authority transcend gender.

These women officers have not reached this position through mere slogans or tokenism; they have navigated real challenges in the field, tackling conservation issues and shaping environmental policies.

In a service historically dominated by traditional stereotypes, this shift is nothing short of revolutionary. As climate challenges intensify, the forest service requires more stewardship and less bravado. This new leadership appears ready to meet that demand.

The Indian Forest Service has not only made history but may also be redefining its future, one bold decision at a time.

Conclusion

By Dilip Cherian