Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Aug 3: Matka, illegal liquor sale, unauthorized bus stops, and parking problems in the city were some of the the issues which dominated the weekly phone in programme, held by the district superintendent of police (SP) Nisha James, held at the district police headquarters here on Friday August 2.
Some citizens came up with the problem of secluded, improperly lighted areas in the city turning into dens of criminal activities. The fact that Bhujanga Park here is being sought after by drunkards, young couple caring a damn to decency and other people with criminal background, came up during the meeting.
SP Nisha James, promised to arrange for a special beat at the Ajjarkad park area for 2-3 times a day. She said that her department will think of installing CCTV cameras at that place, acting on the suggestion put forth by the general public.
Some of the humps in the city limits are not clearly highlighted, the SP agreed. She said that her department will think of painting the humps.
Regarding forgery case reported from a warehouse at Jadkal near Kollur in 2017, it was pointed out that there has been inordinate delay in receipt of report from the forensic science laboratory. The SP said that there is only one forensic science laboratory in the state catering to forgery cases at Bengaluru and therefore report is getting delayed.
A member of the public demanded for the construction of a bus stop between Lakshmindra Nagar and Syndicate Circle. It also was brought to her notice that there is no drainage or footpath at this stretch.
The SP pointed out that construction of national highway is in progress at this place at present. She assured to take up the issue with the regional transport office once the construction is completed.
Some raised the topic of stone crushers being operated illegally at Gangolli, Hebri and other areas. SP said that, the department will look into the matter and initiate necessary action against the guilty.
A local from Kolalagiri complained about supplying liquor in restaurants illegally. Another person complained that bars in Manipal are opened early in the morning.
A person complained about excessive fare being collected by auto drivers from the gullible passengers. He said that many of the auto rickshaws do not even have meters.
Nisha James, in response, noted that auto drivers should charge applicable rates. She said that the police will conduct a special drive against overcharging auto rickshaws.
Some people expressed displeasure at parking problems created by the side of vehicles by the side of the highway at Brahmavar, Kota near Viveka School and Ajjarkad.
The SP instructed the concerned to keep watch on these things by beefing up beat system for a week.
Regarding poor state of electricity poles in the city, she said, "We will hold meeting with the city municipal council to sort out the issue.”
Installing CCTV on national highway is a good move but maintenance is a challenge, she noted.
She said that simply forwarding misleading message through WhatsApp groups can give rise to serious problems, as they might give rise to a sense of fear among the people. Hence, she asked the people to convey information about such messages to her department first, so that they can take up the matter.
"We have given soft skill training to 120 receptionists and beat police in the district to build friendly relationship with the general public," she stated.
After the phone-in programme, the SP said that seven cases pertaining to Matka business were registered during the last one week, and eight persons were arrested. Four gambling cases were registered and 27 persons were arrested. One excise rules violation case was registered and a person was arrested. As many as 33 people were arrested in an NDPS case. A total of 316 cases were registered under COTPA, 45 for drunken driving, 517 for shrill horns, 20 cases for using mobiles while riding/driving, 2445 cases for riding without helmets, 40 cases for over-speeding, 7,188 cases for other IMVs and total 10,225 cases for other kinds of violation of Motor Vehicles Act, she explained.