New Delhi, Dec 26 (IANS): The government has no intention of axing Delhi Police Commissioner Neeraj Kumar "at this stage", Finance Minister P. Chidambaram said Wednesday.

Responding to questions after a cabinet meeting, Chidambaram said it would be "inappropriate" to remove Neeraj Kumar despite the mass protests over the gang-rape of a young woman in Delhi bus.

"I think this would be totally inappropriate to do at this stage. I think the commissioner is doing his job. If there have been any lapses, we will be looking into it," he said.

The commissioner has been under attack since the 23-year-old was raped and tortured Dec 16. He was also criticized following a crackdown by Delhi Police on protesters.

Chidambaram said the commissioner has apologized for the crackdown.

"I think the first thing to be done is to bring the situation to normalcy. I think the commissioner has, I saw it on TV, apologized for any lapses that may have hurt any innocent person.

"I would request all of you to leave it here," he said.