Delhi police commissioner has become a subject of constant ridicule, once again. And those mocking him on social media platform are not just confined to his usual detractors i.e. Aam Aadmi Party supporters.
This time, he’s facing ire from India’s top journalists, who have questioned his discretion, or lack of it, on the attacks against media persons inside a court premise while his cops watched silently on Monday.
On Tuesday, reports emerged that the Delhi police had filed FIR against unknown persons even though the brutal attacks and cases of intimidation were captured on camera and widely reported.
This, though, didn’t surprise many as Bassi on Monday had termed the attacks against journalists as a minor event. Many felt it would have been nothing less than a miracle if Bassi, whose department reports to the BJP-led central government, acted against people owing allegiance to his political masters.
This prompted the veteran journalist Shekhar Gupta to take a swipe at the top cop whose desperation to go to any length to prove his loyalty to the central government is no longer a secret.
Shekhar Gupta said, “Seriously: how did IPS manage to keep talent like Bassi hidden? There hasn’t been a more fun figure in khaki since Asrani’s jailer in Sholay”
Seriously: how did IPS manage to keep talent like Bassi hidden? There hasn't been a more fun figure in khaki since Asrani's jailer in Sholay
— Shekhar Gupta (@ShekharGupta) February 15, 2016
However, it’s the reports on the FIR being filed against unknown persons that have become a topic of intense twitter conversation.
Meanwhile, India’s top journalists on Tuesday took part in a protest march against Monday’s attacks. Many held placards criticising the perpetrators of Monday’s attacks, while others criticised the role played by the Delhi police.
Here’s how the users on microblogging site reacted to this report.
Will those responsible for violence against journalists be punished? Why FIR against 'unknown' people when witnesses can identify them?
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) February 16, 2016
There you go @BhimBassi . Now will you stop this sham FIR against 'unknown persons' & take action? pic.twitter.com/Bd0TCfR7xt
— Zakka Jacob (@Zakka_Jacob) February 16, 2016
Journalists beaten up at Patiala House , and FIR against 'unknown' people! Guess some UFOs hit them!
— Rasheed Kappan (@kappansky) February 16, 2016
FIR against 'unknown people' in the case of journalists beaten up yesterday in Delhi's Patiala House court? It's so much like #Pakistan!
— Ruchika Talwar (@RuchikaTalwar) February 16, 2016
Yes @BhimBassi. Two FIR's against unknown people. When can we expect names?? https://t.co/eWNXgYtNmR
— Kirandeep (@raydeep) February 16, 2016
.@BhimBassi, u hv registered FIR against Unknown ppl for HC attack on media. Here is one Vikram Chauhan [9999269096] pic.twitter.com/Np8gVJnx12
— Kapil (@kapsology) February 16, 2016
BJP MLA #OPShama is unrepentant. कोई मारेगा तो मारूंगा नहीं.. and @DelhiPolice files FIR against unknown people!! pic.twitter.com/44g83UQoDi
— Kirandeep (@raydeep) February 16, 2016
@Zakka_Jacob @brownbrumby @BhimBassi ??? FIR against Unknown persons…and of course, we are no banana republic!!!
— Rajan Alexander (@devconsultgroup) February 16, 2016