Amod Kanth: From police to politics

For the Congress party, it is a bit of a risk to have nominated the former top policeman Amod Kanth to run for the party in the assembly elections.

Kanth's name had come up in connection with the Uphaar fire tragedy in which 59 people were killed. He was also questioned for shoddy investigations in the infamous Jessica Lal murder case.

Kanth is the Congress candidate from Sangam Vihar in south Delhi. Kanth's candidature has raised questions within some sections of the Delhi Congress as his police career has been clouded in controversies.

From being grilled in the Jessica Lal murder case for shoddy investigations to the botch up in the BMW case, Kanth's role has been questioned.

The case that really put Kanth in a spot was the Uphaar tragedy case. As a Deputy Commissioner of Delhi Police, he issued a license to Uphaar cinema despite alleged safety norms violations by movie hall owners.

"Such a person shouldn't have been given ticket to contest this election," said Nilam Krishna Murthy, victim, Uphaar.

On the other hand, those within the Congress, who are backing Kanth, point out the other side of Kanth-- his NGO that provide shelter to abandoned street kids.

"I have been part of many popular criminal cases. I even run Prayas and provide shelter to so many homeless kids. I am ready to serve people," said Amod Kanth, Congress candidate, Sangam Vihar, Delhi.

Unfortunately, even Prayas , Kanth's NGO has been dragged into controversy. Last month, an employee of the NGO was sentenced to two years jail for selling three children of shelter home for Rs 30,000. So the BJP is leaving no opportunity to attack Kanth.

"We will check whether any legal case is pending against Amod Kanth and would certainly inform the Election Commission, " said V K Malhotra, BJP leader.

Sangam Vihar area is dominated by people from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The Congress feels that due to his Bihari background, Amod Kanth would become popular among the people in this constituency.

However, there is a divide prevailing among the party members. To many it came as a shock when it was announced that Kanth would be contesting in this election for Congress.

Source: ndtv.com