Amit Shah directs Delhi Police to crack down on illegal migrants and crime

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has issued strict directives to the Delhi Police, emphasising the need for swift legal action against unauthorised migrants, including Bangladeshi and Rohingya populations in the capital.

During a high-level meeting on Friday, Shah highlighted that illegal migration is a national security concern and must be tackled decisively.

Shah instructed officials to identify and deport all illegal migrants residing in Delhi. He also ordered action against individuals and networks that facilitate their stay by helping them obtain fraudulent documents. A thorough audit is currently being conducted in areas with a significant presence of such migrants, with legal measures set to follow against both the occupants and their enablers.

A senior official present at the meeting revealed that Shah insisted on a "top to bottom and bottom to top" approach, ensuring that authorities at every level actively participate in removing unauthorised occupants. "Strict action must be taken against those who aid illegal migration," he asserted, assuring Delhi residents that the government would take firm steps to resolve this issue.

Apart from illegal migration, Amit Shah directed the Delhi Police to step up efforts against interstate criminal gangs operating in the NCR region. He stressed that police stations and subdivisions failing to curb street crime would face strict accountability measures. "Street crime directly impacts public perception of safety. The Delhi Police must adopt a ruthless approach in handling these gangs," he stated.

To enhance security in vulnerable areas, Shah instructed the formation of new safety committees in JJ clusters, focusing on the protection of women and children.

The Delhi government has been asked to appoint special prosecutors to ensure the swift disposal of pending cases related to the 2020 Delhi riots. This move aims to accelerate legal proceedings and deliver timely justice.

Traffic congestion in the city was another key point of discussion.

The Delhi Police has been directed to identify high-traffic areas and implement immediate solutions to ease movement for commuters. The Police Commissioner and Chief Secretary have been tasked with ensuring rapid deployment of resources to prevent daily traffic bottlenecks.

Additionally, the Delhi government has been instructed to develop a ‘Monsoon Action Plan’ to mitigate waterlogging in flood-prone areas before the onset of the rainy season.

A significant administrative change announced during the meeting is that the Delhi Police will no longer need to provide approvals for construction-related matters in the city. This decision is expected to streamline the approval process and reduce bureaucratic delays.

The meeting, attended by newly-elected Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood, and Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora, highlighted the government’s intent to enhance security and governance in the capital. Officials assured that the “double-engine government” of Delhi will work at “double speed” to ensure the city’s development and safety.