Action will be taken against top cop if he is guilty: UP CM

In the backdrop of controversial comments made by a state deputy inspector general of police in an elopement case, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday said that if senior officers sitting on higher posts do not understand the gravity of their posts, then action would be taken against them.

"If this is the same statement, which is being aired on the channels, then it is a very wrong statement," Akhilesh told reporters when asked about the comments allegedly made by DIG S K Mathur in Saharanpur on Tuesday.

Mathur had allegedly told a man who had come to lodge a missing complaint about his sister that had he been in his place, he would have shot her for eloping.

The CM said that if people have any hope of justice, then it is from the police.

"If officers sitting in high posts do not understand the seriousness of their position, then action will be taken," he said.

He said that while showing such statements, action taken by the government should also be projected as it would help.

"You should also show the action taken by the government; after that whatever comment you have to make about law and order is acceptable," he said.

Mathur said that if action taken is shown, then it would help the government as it would give a chance to remove non-performing officers.

Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Jagmohan Yadav on Wednesday said Mathur has denied having made the remarks.

"If such a thing has been said, then further action will be taken," Yadav said, adding that it was a serious issue in the wake of honour killing incidents in the area.

"If something like this has been said by a senior officer, then it is wrong as people come to police with expectations," he said.

"An inquiry would be conducted into the alleged remarks of DIG Mathur and a report would also be sought from IG in this regard," he said.

Meanwhile, the National Commission for Women also demanded that Mathur should be suspended for his "cowardly" response and for shying away from his responsibility.