Delhi: With the year turning a new chapter, police personnel in the national capital find themselves on the backfoot yet again, facing the constant dread of being killed while on duty. According to Delhi Police data, 21 police officers were provided monetary compensation from the Delhi Police Martyrs’ Fund (DPMF) this year, as of December 6.
On the other hand, 19 personnel lost their lives in 2023, including seven Head Constables, six Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs), four Sub Inspectors (SIs), one Inspector, and one multitasking staff member. In 2022, 18 casualties were recorded, Patriot found.
Inadequate safeguards
These incidents are often attributed to the lack of adequate protection for police officers against assailants. The constraints they face frequently result in fatalities. “There are certain protocols that we have to maintain when engaged in combat against an assailant or accused. The fact is that using our weapons to kill is almost always the last option we consider, but those attacking us do not have any such protocols to worry about,” said an officer.
For officers, the price of inadequate safeguards is often paid with their lives. “Although we have the defence of law and order protecting us, it mostly takes its course of action after the incident has already occurred,” said a senior official.
Categorisation of deaths
The DPMF provides financial support to the families of deceased officers through compensation in two categories: ‘on duty’ and ‘gallantry’ deaths. The term ‘on duty’ is defined as: “death which occurs or is caused while an employee is performing government duty; it does not include the journey from home or other places to the place of duty or from duty to home or other places.”
‘Gallantry’, on the other hand, refers to: “death caused solely and directly by external violence while in the course of duty, such as being killed by criminals, terrorists, or anti-social elements.”
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Compensation for ‘on duty’ deaths amounts to Rs.15 lakh, while for ‘gallantry’ deaths, the amount is Rs. 30 lakh, both provided to the widow or next of kin, subject to sufficient proof. However, none of the 21 martyrs this year have been awarded compensation for ‘gallantry’.
So far, Rs. 3.15 crore has been disbursed to the families of deceased personnel.
Tragedies underscore risks
On November 22, Constable Kiranpal Singh was stabbed to death in South East district’s Govindpuri.
Singh had been posted at Govindpuri Police Station since February this year. During a routine night patrol, he stopped three individuals travelling on a scooter. When the questioning became too difficult for them, the main accused, Raghav, pulled a knife and attacked Singh. Two others, Deepak Max and Krish Gupta, were arrested, while Raghav was killed in an encounter.
Tragically, 28-year-old Singh succumbed to his injuries. Despite stopping the trio’s spate of thefts, Singh lost his life. He had joined the police force in 2018 and was initially posted in the South West district.
Singh is expected to receive a gallantry commendation for his sacrifice. “It might take some time, but his family will be taken care of,” said an officer.
The officer also noted that some DPMF funds released this year cover backlogged cases. “Some compensation funds are for officers who died on duty last year. The process takes time as the next of kin or widow must submit documents proving their relationship to the officer,” he said.
The DPMF was established on February 1, 2013, and is funded by contributions from the salaries of all police personnel. Contributions range from Rs. 100 for senior officers like the Commissioner of Police to Rs. 10 for constables and multitasking staff. Civilians can also choose to donate to the fund
Need for reforms
However, the dangers of the job have led many officers to be more cautious. “I knew life in this profession would be tough, but I never really thought about it much. After Kiranpal’s death and another officer’s death at Civil Lines, I’ve started to step back. I know I’ll regain my courage because I trust the force will take care of my family if anything happens,” said a Head Constable.
In another tragic incident, Constable Victor, a 27-year-old patrol officer from Civil Lines Police Station, lost his life in a devastating accident on November 4, just 30 minutes into his night patrol. Originally from Nagaland, Victor had been serving at the station since June 2023.
According to reports, the accident occurred when a green DTC bus on Route 261 lost control. The bus veered off course, hit a billboard pole, and struck Victor and an unidentified civilian before coming to rest on the divider.
Police officials note that most DPMF claims come from accidents in the capital.
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Additionally, officers face threats not only from offenders but also from victims’ families or associates. “There have been numerous instances where officers have faced physical danger, such as being attacked during arrest attempts. Some people resort to violence, including stone-pelting, to obstruct justice,” said an officer. Welfare provisions, including pensions, are also in place to support families.
As the risks to Delhi Police personnel mount, the question remains: who protects the protectors?
