The Delhi Police has denied allegations of political interference in the release of criminals after a video of a police inspector making such claims circulated on social media, news agency PTI reported.

NEW DELHI: The Delhi Police has denied allegations of political interference in the release of criminals after a video of a police inspector making such claims circulated on social media, news agency PTI reported. Deputy commissioner of police (Northwest) Akanksha Yadav said the remarks made by the officer were “irresponsible” and did not reflect the official position of the police force. The officer, identified as Inspector (Law and Order) Rajeev, was serving as the officiating SHO of Bharat Nagar police station at the time. He has since been removed from the post and transferred to District Lines as part of disciplinary action. “A video circulating on social media contains certain statements attributed to a police officer alleging that criminals involved in narcotics and other offences are released on the directions of the public representatives. It is clarified that during a public interaction, some irresponsible comments were made by Inspector Rajeev, which were not based on facts,” the DCP said in a statement. She added that the comments were made in a personal capacity and did not represent the position of the Delhi Police. “Delhi Police has taken cognisance of this gross misconduct, and strict disciplinary action has been initiated against him. He has been transferred to the District Lines and removed from the charge of SHO with immediate effect. Appropriate action will be taken against him in accordance with the established rules and regulations,” the statement read. Yadav said the Delhi Police functions strictly in accordance with the law and assesses each case on its merits without external influence. She added that the force maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards crime and that such conduct does not reflect its professional standards. The controversy began after a video surfaced online showing the inspector speaking to a group of women who had approached him with complaints about drug peddling in their locality. In the clip, the officer is heard asking the women to raise their grievances with the “CM and the MLA.” He is also heard alleging that even when the police arrest offenders, they are released after intervention from public representatives. “We catch them, but they go to the CM, they go to the MLAs… and they get (release) orders from there. Our hands are tied,” the officer says in the video. The video was shared on social media by Aam Aadmi Party leader Saurabh Bharadwaj. It also shows the inspector suggesting that the complainants should protest outside the residences of the political representatives instead of coming to the police station.