In a significant statement, Uttar Pradesh Special Director General of Police, Law and Order, Prashant Kumar, clarified that encounters have never been the official policy of the state government. He emphasized that necessary force is only used when criminals become emboldened and attempt to escape or attack the police during or after arrest.
The statement is noteworthy as the Yogi government in Uttar Pradesh has been associated with a robust encounter policy, colloquially known as the ‘thoko policy.’ Kumar cited recent incidents where criminals molested women and attacked police during arrest, justifying the use of force in such cases. He underscored the government’s commitment to the safety of women and children and its policy of zero tolerance against crime and criminals since 2017. The state is also implementing preventive measures like ‘Operation Drishti,’ involving the installation of CCTVs for crime prevention.