Kodagu Police Chief Issues Stern Warning Against Moral Policing Activities
In a significant development aimed at upholding civil liberties, Kodagu district superintendent of police Bindu Mani issued a firm warning on Friday that strict legal action would be taken against anyone found involved in moral policing within the district. The announcement came during a public interaction meeting of the Somwarpet subdivision held at Kushalnagar, where the senior police officer outlined a comprehensive strategy to enhance public safety and community policing.
Emphasis on Public Cooperation and Crime Reporting
Addressing citizens and community representatives, SP Bindu Mani urged residents to promptly report crimes to police authorities and emphasized the crucial need for collective efforts to build a crime-free society. She highlighted that community vigilance and timely reporting form the cornerstone of effective law enforcement. The police chief also cautioned the public to exercise heightened vigilance while using social media platforms to prevent falling victim to cybercrime, noting the increasing sophistication of digital threats.
Comprehensive Traffic Management Plan for Kushalnagar
In response to growing concerns about road safety and congestion, the SP revealed that an action plan would be developed to improve traffic management in Kushalnagar. This initiative includes the installation of CCTV cameras at strategic locations to monitor traffic flow and enhance surveillance capabilities. She added that coordination with the gram panchayat and municipality would be undertaken to finalize the implementation details of this plan. To further curb road accidents, authorities are taking steps to install speed controllers on highways, particularly in accident-prone zones.
Crackdown on Narcotics and Drug Abuse Prevention
Reiterating the police department's unwavering resolve to combat substance abuse, SP Bindu Mani stated that firm action would be taken against the sale and consumption of ganja and other narcotics. Efforts will be intensified to dismantle drug networks operating within the district. She particularly emphasized that preventing school and college students from falling into the trap of drug abuse is a shared responsibility requiring collaboration between law enforcement, educational institutions, families, and community organizations.
Community Concerns and Police Response
During the interactive session, representatives from various organizations and local residents raised multiple concerns that have been affecting daily life in the region. These included:
- Traffic congestion caused by unauthorized auto stands
- Operations of certain massage centers requiring scrutiny
- Harassment by private finance institutions
- Shortage of police personnel affecting response times
- Increasing incidents of cybercrime
- Security concerns at Harangi dam
- Need for mobile policing units in Kudige area
Responding to these issues, the SP assured attendees that all concerns would be addressed systematically in a phased manner. She acknowledged the validity of each point raised and committed to developing targeted solutions. The meeting was attended by DSP Chandrasekhar and local police inspectors who participated in the discussions.
Emergency Helplines and Public Assistance
Citizens were advised to make use of emergency helplines 112, 1930, and 1098 when in need of immediate assistance. These numbers provide direct access to police response, cybercrime reporting, and child protection services respectively. The SP emphasized that these helplines operate round-the-clock and encouraged residents to utilize them without hesitation during emergencies.
Engagement with Ex-Servicemen Community
In a separate interaction held in Madikeri on the same day, SP Bindu Mani met with office bearers of the Kodagu District Ex-Servicemen's Association. During this meeting, she appealed to ex-servicemen to cooperate with police efforts in maintaining law and order, stating that police and defense services complement each other in serving the nation. She assured all possible support to ex-servicemen and their dependents and announced that a dedicated meeting would be organized specifically to discuss their concerns and explore collaborative opportunities between the police department and the veteran community.
The comprehensive approach outlined by Kodagu's police leadership demonstrates a multi-faceted strategy addressing both traditional law enforcement challenges and emerging social issues. By combining strict legal action against moral policing with community engagement initiatives, traffic infrastructure improvements, drug abuse prevention programs, and specialized attention to vulnerable groups, the district police aim to create a safer environment for all residents while fostering greater public trust in law enforcement institutions.
