New Delhi:
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has earned the dubious distinction of having the highest number of criminal offences registered against its personnel as compared to other Central Paramilitary forces last year.
According to latest data from the Home Ministry, a highest of 45 cases were registered against CRPF personnel for allegedly committing crimes as against 25 by Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and 13 by Border Security Force (BSF) in 2009.
While seven such cases were registered against Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) men, two were against personnel of National Security Guard (NSG) and one against Assam Rifles. No case was registered against any of the officers in Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), it said.
CRPF is mandated to assist states in maintenance of internal security.
However, the number of cases only saw a marginal rise in 2009 as compared to previous years. A total of 93 cases of criminal offences allegedly committed by CPMF personnel were registered in 2009 as against 90 in 2008 and 82 in 2007.
When contacted, a Home Ministry Official said, "Action has been taken against such personnel according to laws, acts and the rules governing the respective Central Paramilitary Force."
He said, "The personnel are being regularly sensitized and given in-service training to ensure highest levels of discipline and moral or official conduct."
A total of 154 cases are pending before courts. "These cases are being regularly monitored by CPMFs for quick disposal," the official said.