Two constables of Delhi police have filed complaints against Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal for his ‘thulla’ remark against cops.

"A case can be lodged by the Anti-Corruption Branch against anyone for being involved in corrupt practices. But these people say you can't lodge a case against members of the Delhi Police. If a 'thulla' of Delhi Police asks a roadside vendor for money, a case should not be registered against him... this is not acceptable," Kejriwal had said during an interview last week.

Constable Kapoor Singh Chhikara and Constable Harvinder are upset. However, Delhi Police commissioner BS Bassi says "these are personal remarks. It was a derogatory word, but a non-cognizable offence (police can't act without a warrant or court order), so there is no FIR."

"People have given Kejriwal 67 seats. He should focus on development. He has set a poor example as Chief Minister by using this word," Constable Chhikara quoted in media.

Constable Harvinder said he was hurt by Kejriwal's choice of words. "It has affected me mentally and I could not sleep all night," said the cop in his complaint, describing how he had called at various numbers to express his anguish, including the Chief Minister's residence and the Delhi government helpline.

Meanwhile, Bassi has asserted that his force is accountable to the system, not any individual. "There are provisions in the law, Constitution for us. If we work under them, no one's criticism is justified," Bassi said after meeting with lieutenant governor Najeeb Jung this morning, ahead of his (Bassi) meeting with Kejriwal at 4 pm. "I take criticism positively. Even if the criticism is wrong, I welcome it. Police work is not trivial," Bassi told reporters.

Kejriwal wants to meet the police chief over the brutal murder last week of a 19-year-old girl, who was stabbed 35 times for protesting harassment. Kejriwal is using this incident as an example of police inefficiency and the reason why his government - not the union ministry - should be in charge of the city police.

Bassi has said that he will try and tackle "misconceptions" about his force during the meeting. "We are the strong arm of the government and (it is) a big responsibility," he said.