HYDERABAD, Nov 22: District Nazim Kanwar Naveed Jameel has directed police officers to curb crimes and peddling of narcotics in the district, failing which strict action will be taken against them.

Speaking at a meeting of taluka police officers at his office on Monday, he said that increasing crime rate and narcotic peddling in the district was a challenge for the district government and police.

He said that each police officer had been assigned responsibility with full authority as such now he would be made accountable for his performance.

He said that henceforth the SHO concerned would be held responsible for the crime and he would not only be removed from his post but would not be posted against the same post at least for one year.

He said that posting of police officers was not a problem but maintenance of law and order was the main problem of the district government as such honest, dedicated officers would be encouraged and rewarded.

He directed the officers not to surrender before any political or administrative pressure and assured that the district government would provide full protection to them in their positive, administrative, professional steps and stand.

He pointed out that it might be that some criminals have taken shelter in political organizations but he would not spare them.

He said that identification and action against such elements would not only bring down the crime rate but also filter political organizations in public interest.

He directed officers to select teams of their choice, and prepare an action plan so that network of criminals was completely destroyed. He said that intensive patrolling on roads and activating intelligence network would be ensured to achieve the objectives.

Responding to what police officers pointed out their difficulties due to separation of investigation and operation wings and anomaly in transfer, posting and seniority of officers, the district nazim said that separation of investigation and operation was a policy matter at the national level so for anomaly was concerned each officer can challenge his right in writing and assured that merit would be encouraged.