New Delhi, September 26
Neha Sinha
Expressindia
NRI (non-resident Indian) has played Basketball
against Italy, served in Delhi Police following the
Sikh riots — Darshan Grewal, former Delhi Police
ASI is now rubbing shoulders with Tony Blair as the
Mayor of Hounslow, London.
What were your experiences in the Delhi Police
in the ’80’s?
My experience was not good at all. I started as an
Assistant Sub Inspector in 1980 and went on to the
work at Tilak Vihar’s first chowki. Unfortunately
there is a lot of interference - the law is different
for different people. It was terrible when Sikh widows
of the ’84 riots refused to speak to me. I met
many victims who lost their fathers and the government
has not done much for them.
How did you join the Labour Party?
I started as a bonded assistant in a catering service
in 1989. Seventy per cent employees were Asian; we
were treated like bonded slaves. I raised my voice
against the cultural illtreatment and by 1991, I was
elected Trade Union Leader for the Transport General
Workers Union. In some time I was made Industry advisor
by my employees. In 1993, the Labour Party split with
the Trade Union and I joined the former.
What are the issues you want to address in Delhi?
I met some MLAs and visited the Tilak Vihar and Shakarpur
police stations yesterday and am deeply disappointed
to see there is no change since the riots. Police
work is interrupted constantly by politicians and
the officers are corrupt. I am here to donate 50,000
pounds to Christian Medical College. Besides, I am
going to send an important letter with Tony Blair’s
and some British MP’s inputs in it, exhorting
the Prime Minister to take some rigorous action against
the police force.
What is the difference between Delhi and London
police force?
In Britain, if you do significant work, you are recognised.
The police has its own functioning independent of
any interference. As a politician and activist I am
accountable to the people. In Delhi, politicians do
what they please and the police is their puppet.
