While reviewing the law and order situation in the Union Territory, at a high-level meeting of officials here today, the Administrator emphasised upon preventive measures to avoid the recurrence of such incidents.

The Administrator stressed that mobile van units of the Chandigarh Control Room should have a maximum reaction time of three minutes after the incident is reported to them and they should cordon off the area of the incident immediately.

The meeting, which was attended among others by the Adviser to the Administrator, Jagdish Sagar, Principal Secretary to the Governor, P K Verma, CITCO and CHB chairperson, Meenakshi Dutta Ghosh, Home Secretary Anuradha Gupta, IGP R. P. Singh, SSP C. S. R. Reddy, CITCO MD Satish Chandra and DC R. K. Rao, also discussed the problems and strategy to be adopted to improve the law and order situation in the Union Territory.

It was decided that the DC and IGP should approach the village heads to chalk out a "traditional" system to supplement the efforts of the Chandigarh Police. Besides, the Administrator emphasised on identification and intensifying the intelligence system in areas which were the breeding and hiding places for criminals. He added that SHOs of the areas should be held personally responsible for any serious incidents happening in their jurisdictions.

The Administrator pointed out that the complaints of non-registration of FIRs in bonafide cases should be dealt with seriously and the Chandigarh Police should chalk out a transparent system on postings and transfers and end the bickerings in the ranks. He asked the IGP to take strong action on complaints of corruption by police men, especially those posted in the traffic cell.

It was pointed out that any collusion and connivance of police officers, particularly in property disputes or matters related to abuse of authority or abusive behaviour should be dealt with sternly. A serious view would also be taken of involvement of policemen in criminal acts such as molestation, assault and extortion. It was decided in the meeting to ensure expeditious completion of inquires against corrupt officers and taking of action against them to improve the image of the Chandigarh Police.