UP STF Rebuts Allegations of Caste-Based Encounters

UP's ADGP, Amitabh Yash, refutes caste-based encounter allegations, asserting that criminals have no caste. He highlights the police’s rigorous efforts and community initiatives for crime control, noting 50,000 convictions in a year. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi demands judicial inquiry into frequent encounters.

Amitabh Yash, ADGP (Law and Order) for the Special Task Force (STF) in Uttar Pradesh, dismissed allegations of caste-based encounters as 'baseless' on Thursday, emphasizing that criminals have 'no caste.' He attributed the proactive policing measures to the state's success in crime control.

Speaking to ANI, Yash highlighted the swift actions taken by the police upon receiving incident reports, such as the immediate activation of emergency response units and specialized task forces like STF and ATS. Public initiatives like 'Operation Trinetra' are being promoted to enhance surveillance through community-installed CCTV cameras.

Yash stated that encounters occur only when criminals resist arrest, noting they comprise less than 1% of total arrests. He cited a significant reduction in crime rates under Uttar Pradesh police's efforts, including 50,000 convictions within a year and a focus on crimes against women and children. Meanwhile, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi has criticized the rising encounters and demanded a judicial investigation, questioning their effectiveness and legality.

(With inputs from agencies.)