Mangaluru: Exclusive – Police commissioner seeks public cooperation to fight Covid pandemic


Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, Apr 27: N Shashi Kumar, a 2007 batch IPS officer is the police commissioner of Mangaluru. Kumar, who hails from Chitradurga, is a BSc (Agriculture) graduate. He has earlier served as superintendent of police in Haveri, Raichur, Kalaburagi, Chikkamagaluru and Kalaburagi. He has also worked as deputy commissioner of police, Bengaluru North sub division. He was serving as superintendent of police, wireless, Bengaluru, before his new posting.

Shashi Kumar was promoted to the rank of deputy inspector-general of police and posted as police commissioner, Mangaluru.

In a special interview with Daijiworld editor-in-chief, Walter Nandalike on Daijiworld TV 24*7, Shashi Kumar opens up about the police department's preparation to face the second wave of Covid-19 pandemic
and many other areas.

Excerpts

DW: We see police controlling people holding batons, but police over here are trying to make people understand the problems through good words. Recently, you conducted a friendly raid which was praised by many. Please tell us about it.

Commissioner: People of Mangaluru are educated, conscious and they accept suggestions. Small vendors are strictly following the Covid-19 protocols, whereas we found the bigger establishments violating the norms. After examining, we booked such establishments. Almost 90% to 100% of people in the city are following the Covid-19 guidelines. I congratulate people on this. Presenting flowers was to congratulate people who are following the guidelines strictly. Such people should be encouraged and it will motivate others too. An elderly woman I met said that she is wearing a mask to protect herself and others from the virus. When an elderly woman can follow the guidelines strictly, the youth also should follow them. We have booked those who have violated the norms.

DW: Are police booking the public for violation of Covid-19 guidelines? Can you brief us about it? What is the seriousness of the case?

Commissioner: We are booking cases under sections 5 and 9 of the Karnataka Epidemic Act. We should follow the order of the government or the deputy commissioner. Officers concerned have the provision to take action against violators. There is punishment in the form of fines and imprisonment. The authority concerned can book violators on the gravity of the case.

DW: How many cases have been booked on the violation of Covid-19 guidelines?

Commissioner: We have noticed violations during the night curfew. In the past ten days, we have booked 1,500 cases for not wearing masks within the limits of the police commissionerate. We have booked cases against bars and restaurants for violating the norms under the Karnataka Epidemic Act. We have also booked bus owners for violations. We booked more than 80 cases under Karnataka Epidemic Act. It is not against individuals but establishments.

DW: There is a restriction on number of guests for marriages with only 50 people allowed. But in the case of violation of guidelines, who will be held responsible?

Commissioner: The owner of the hall and the organisers will be held responsible. We will register a case after the concerned local bodies like corporation, town or village panchayat bring it to our notice. In marriages, we have noticed more violations. We have noticed violations of Covid-19 guidelines by commercial establishments. There is also violation even in religious programmes.

DW: The police department is working closely with the people. What kind of precautionary measures have you taken against the spread of Covid-19?

Commissioner: There are 54 check posts under the limits of commissionerate. There are nearly 8 to 10 staffs in a single check post. At each police station, we have formed a mobile squad. We have formed pickets where most mob likely gathers. That maybe in bus stand or railway station. As many as 1,700 staffs are working under the limits of Mangaluru police station. We have also roped in staff from other divisions like CAR. Totally, more than 2,000 staffs are working. We have deployed more than 1,000 staffs for the Covid-19 bandobast. We have provided those masks, sanitisers and advised them to avoid close contact with public. We have made some police stations as Covid-19 model police stations. In all police stations, we have made arrangements for temperature checking, sanitisers and provisions to avoid close contact with the public. We are following the Covid-19 protocols even during the arrests of the accused. We have asked our staffs to strictly follow the Covid-19 appropriate behaviour.

DW: Recently, you had allowed lactating mothers and pregnant policewomen to work from home? Is this your decision or from the department?

Commissioner: There is a provision in the order issued by the government for differently-abled and pregnant women. In our department, there is no such work where one person sits at home and works. There are more than 200 policewomen. Some of the policewomen came to me, asking me to allow women in later pregnancy, to work from home. This is also a goodwill gesture as a senior officer. We have allowed such officers to work from home till April 30. Certain work like entering the records and data through computers can be done from home. Though allowed to work from home, some of the women police staff are coming to the stations for work. There are 34 women police staffs who are working from home. Already 11 staffs are under maternity leave. Only 23 officers are availing this facility.

DW: According to you, was the lockdown imposed successful?

Commissioner: Last year when I was the DCP in Bengaluru, lockdown was announced in the night. Then people did not know what to do. The intention of lockdown was to avoid the spread of the pandemic. This time, the public has got plenty of time. The government has taken this decision following the suggestion by the experts. The lockdown was imposed in the best interests of the public. Everyone should follow the norms. Enforcing the guidelines is the duty of the police department. The staffs who are working in essential services are working day and night. This will become successful with the cooperation from the public which is very important.

DW: How many police officers were affected recently due to Covid-19? What kind of precautionary measures were taken?

Commissioner: Several officers tested corona-positive while following the order of the government. Nearly, 330 staff had tested positive. About 25% of the police officers have tested positive. In the second wave of Covid-19, 10 people have tested positive. It is less compared to last year. It is because the staff are aware of the Covid appropriate behaviour. The government asked the police department staff to get vaccinated. In the city, more than 90% of the police staff received the first dose of vaccination and 50% of the staff received the second dose of vaccination. We have also organised a drive along with the district administration to vaccinate family members of the police department staff. If the staff tests positive, we are providing them the best of the treatment. The police department staff is also provided Rs 30 lac compensation in case of death due to Covid-19.

DW: After assuming office as police commissioner in Mangaluru, you have brought a few changes in the system. That may be canteen facility to the staff, giving importance to fitness or cultural programmes.

Commissioner: Taking part in cultural activities or social activities starts from school life. I feel this essential in our department. Due to work pressure, if the relaxation is not given to our staff, it may adversely affect them. We have conducted a workshop for 200 more staffs, arranged a half-day picnic and film screening for them. We have also conducted the same programme for ASI staffs. After I noticed that some of the staffs gained weight, we organised a fitness session for them for a month. Some reduced weight from 1.7 kg to 4.10 kg. Nearly 78 staff lost good amount of weight. This helped to improve their fitness. We had organised rangoli competition for the family members of the police department. We usually say that the police department is a family, but it needs to be proved.

DW: Can you tell us about the recent initiative of canteen facility started for the police?

Commissioner: Under the limits of Mangaluru police commissionerate, more than 1,000 police are from North Karnataka. Many are bachelors and due to Covid-19, they cannot have food in hotels or restaurants. Hence, our staff suggested me to start this canteen facility. By using the funds from the department, we are providing lunch. If required, we will provide dinner also. Totally, we are providing healthy nutritious food to the staff. We are also providing a special 'Kashaya' in the police stations to boost immunity.

DW: Who inspired you to join IPS?

Commissioner: No one inspired me. As I came from a middle-class family, after my BSc in Agriculture in Shivamogga, I wanted a job. There were not many openings in universities, agriculture department or research field. Later, I went to Indian Agriculture Center in Delhi for post-graduation. I saw many seniors preparing for the UPSC. Even I started to prepare. Initially, this was a job for my livelihood. After joining the job, I have respect and reputation in the department. I believe, we should provide justice to the taxpayers’ money.

DW: What is your message to the viewers?

Commissioner: People should not fear or get confused regarding Covid-19. We should face this pandemic responsibly by wearing masks, maintaining social distance, using sanitiser and avoiding public gathering and should have good food and exercise. By following rules issued by the government or the police department, we can prevent and control the growing cases of Covid-19 in the country.


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Comment on this article

  • Sahil, Mangaluru

    Wed, Apr 28 2021

    Honestly I lost confidence after DC attended function with out wearing mask. Still now big question from DK? Answer please🤔

    DisAgree [1] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Angela, Mangalore

    Wed, Apr 28 2021

    Even though Pandemic has been going on for more than a year now, people still need to be taught how to wear a mask and maintain Social distance. Why can't the public use their common sense and do what is good for their survival. Now that we are seeing/hearing of so many deaths, everyone is suddenly scared of getting Covid. All this devastation and death could have been avoided if we had been careful. When Health & Well-being should have been everyone's Priority, the Government wanted elections rallies and we the public wanted to celebrate religious & social gathering. Now we all suffer the consequences of our actions by grieving for the suffering & loss of our loved ones. The most important questions still remain - Have we all learnt our lesson and will we change our ways? Are we going to be responsible?

    DisAgree Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Shankar, Mangaluru

    Wed, Apr 28 2021

    Instead of preaching and pleading, our SP should deploy his whole team in the city, issue strict instructions to wear masks and maintain distance in public places during ease hours of curfew. See the Daiji report on how people crowd shops and markets for the purchase. If people are allowed to gather everyday, breaking covid protocols, then the whole point of lockdown is compromised. Do you need to be a rocket scientist to understand these simple things Sir?

    DisAgree [1] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • AM, Mangalore

    Wed, Apr 28 2021

    Now everybody seeking public support to fight covid and public is always supporting. However when the problem get solved then credit goes only to Supreme leader and all channles and bhakths bark day and night, and justify how Modi solved the problem. Fate of indian people

    DisAgree [2] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sandesh Kanchan, Mangalore

    Wed, Apr 28 2021

    Today the Commisioner of Police is talking of enforcing Covid guidelines strictly. Good and it should be done. But has anyone checked Mangalore Police's FB page? Have you seen their own photos of how the policemen, including the CP, themselves were violating Covid guidelines as recently as March 2021 by organising public gatherings without masks & social distancing? How many mask violators did they catch then? May be the situation in Mangalore would not have been so bad had they caught mask violators. Yes, the yare doing a tough job but as they are the law enforcers and it is duty to see to it that everyone follows the law & Covid guidelines, like they ae doing now, albeit belatedly.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • BAPTIST PETER PEREIRA, MANGALORE PANDESHWAR

    Wed, Apr 28 2021

    We must have such a honest / talented / friendly commissioner . He observed every Situation with wide angle , so that he can take right decision in any situation's . Well MR Walter also very talented person , that's why he take's interview with MR N. Shashi Kumar . Well as now facing COVID - 19 second VIRUS , which is very strong noticed , but taking precaution's , MASK WEARING / MAINTAIN DISTANCE / SANITISER / AVOIDING PUBLIC GATHERING ETC . WISH YOU BOTH THAT ALL MIGHTY GOD GIVE GOOD HEALTH & LONG LIFE

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • R.Gopinath, Falnir, Mangaluru

    Wed, Apr 28 2021

    Si thanks for an excellent interview. We will fully co-operate with you by giving relevant information. Please order extra vigil at Deralakatte where many educational institutions are openly flouting the lockdown norms. A simple roadblock will end their indiscipline.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Af,,,, Mangaluru

    Wed, Apr 28 2021

    Political people select the police commissioners based on their needs and command, without thier back ground support they can not perform.

    DisAgree Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Melroy C.F.Fernandes, Mangalore

    Wed, Apr 28 2021

    Once again I urge the CP to resume the phone-in programme in the same format it was originally started. To announce the same on the website and on other media platforms and to also inform the public when these will be cancelled and the reasons for the same. The team of Messrs. Chandrashekar, Sanjeev Patil, Shantaraju , T.R.Suresh, Hanumanthrayya used to hold these programmes every week , as far as possible . This is one of the best suo moto management reform measures ever brought in by any of the civil service cadres. Upon joining Mr. Shashi Kumar (IPS) had held only one "CP phone-in session" which was given a quiet burial by two of his immediate predecessors. Sadly, Mr. Kumar did not continue the programme. We are told that they are busy and hence cannot hold the phone-in programme. Coming, as he says he is, from a middle-class family he seems to have forgotten the problems faced by the "non-influential" class of citizens. I hope the CP can make time for just 1 hour in a week to directly hear grievances and suggestions for improvement directly from the public who in his own words he desires to do justice to. This programme is particularly useful to citizens who live far away from the hub of district governance and have to spend a travel-time of 3 - 4 hrs and Rs.100-200/- just to visit a govt. office to meet its higher officials for just 5 to 15 mins! (waiting time of 1 -2 hrs not included in the time spent). So, all in all, a citizen who lives far away from the city hub has to take the entire day off just to meet a govt. official. Besides, most of the time, after travelling all the way, one finds that the official cannot be met because he/she is busy in meetings or on field visit or out-of –station or in court or attending some programme etc.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • Amaze, karkala

    Wed, Apr 28 2021

    Blind hatred because of blind bhakts

    DisAgree [3] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jb, Mlore

    Wed, Apr 28 2021

    Thank you Nalin Kumar Kateel for giving us this good officer. To maintain law and order we need these kind of strict officer's. There would be lot of people disliking my comment, but thats reality which they all need to agree instead of showing blind hatred.

    DisAgree [11] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Kudla Stories, Kudla

    Wed, Apr 28 2021

    Blind hatered ??? Wow, Really. Who is showing blind hatered towards the minorities. The bhakths made the tabhligi incident a big deal. Today the bhakths are silent & selective towards the scores of covid contribution from kumbh mela. Even though the bakths know that modi shah jodi has destroyed India in every possible way, the blind faith they have on them doesnt allow them to go against Modi

    DisAgree [1] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • vishnu bhat, bangalore

    Wed, Apr 28 2021

    at last a Police Commissioner who speaks sense - gains are never permanent without co-operation

    DisAgree Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Bala, Urwa

    Wed, Apr 28 2021

    Media freindly commissioner. Before few days he was attacked by inmates of jail. Whether it is true or not but why he has to go for petty matters?? Lesson learnt i think.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • Kudla Stories, Kudla

    Wed, Apr 28 2021

    It seems kike the only people fighting the covid menace is the cops, the frontline workers and people from other walks of life. The politicians are still busy with their politics. Kumbh Mela pokitics, west bengal politics, hindu muslim Christian politics etc. They forget that everything has to come one full circle and they will reap what they sow. They have destroyed a whole generation and filled them with nothing but hatered. Its time for tye people to open their eyes and set the mistakes right.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jigmig, Mangalore

    Wed, Apr 28 2021

    Please take care of your health and save others. Please wear mask. Let us all work together to drive away this corona enemy from this world. Please strictly follow the Pandemic guidelines otherwise the situation will become worse. Everything will shutdown. People will lose jobs, Children will not have proper education. No security for childrens future. No financial support. It is very sad to see people are dying as there are no proper health care facilities available in the hospitals. Please take care of the situation very seriously and take care of your health. "Please wear mask".

    DisAgree Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Alphy, Mumbai

    Tue, Apr 27 2021

    Nice to have an able Police commissioner in Mangalore. Good luck to you. Please ensure that you are completely transparent and impartial while dealing with activity which is against the enforced rules. Prime example of Police excesses in recent times is, Ullal temple jatreh which went against the enforced Covid rule and was totally illegal. Police force asked the people to go home peacefully - no fine on the temple or the people congregated for the function. Imagine if it was a minority congregation breaking the rule - I am sure there would be police firing, lathi charge, sever fine for both people and institution, even forceful entry into places of worship, lathi charging religious people! This is what divides the nation. I salute you if you remain impartial. You need to rebuild the tarnished image of Police force in Mangalore.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • Dr. Dorothy Rego, Kaikamba/Toronto

    Tue, Apr 27 2021

    Hello sir, Good interview. The focus of your enforcement with strict fines for those who violate the COVID-19 public health practices should NOT be just on general public but should also be on POLITICIANS and educated people including the ACADEMIC ORGANIZATION LEADERS, BISHOPS and CLERGY. I have seen in recent videos that the educated leaders are letting their GUARD DOWN with COVID-19 guidelines by participating in big parties and posing for photos without any protective gear in a congregated setting. I was disappointed to notice that the BISHOPS of Mangalore and Udupi encouraged all the recent events like elaborate holy week celebrations WITHOUT ANY COMPLIANCE with public health practices and allowed an invisible enemy to sneak into the community to cause the devastating atrocities. Recently, when the COVID-19 cases are surging in Mangalore, I have seen in a video, Bishop. Saldhana participating in big events like Centenary celebrations, Ursuline vows and the Ordinations etc. WITHOUT ANY adherence to COVID safety protocol. Last week, I briefly watched the ordination ceremony of priests in Rosario cathedral headed by Bishop Saldhana. I was DISAPPOINTED to notice that two priests were distributing communion without MASKING in the presence of Bishop. In another incident, it was DISGUSTING to notice a senior priest hugging the guest priest on the stage during HOLY SATURDAY celebration in Mangalore three weeks ago. This is absolutely an INAPPROPRIATE practice from an educated priest during a pandemic. Despite the death of so many priests in India due to COVID-19, it is embarrassing to notice that the BISHOP of Mangalore has not implemented a PROPER HEALTH and SAFETY COVID-19 protocol for SELF, the PRIESTS and HIS FLOCK. You should CHARGE these people first so that they learn lessons from mistakes to SAFEGUARD themselves and their FLOCK. Dr. Dorothy Rego BSc, MSc, PhD, MPH (A public health professional on pandemic response)

    DisAgree [17] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • John, Mangalore

    Wed, Apr 28 2021

    Dorothy for your research... Is there in UK and India severe second wave of covid 19 infections have something in common?... May be India's recent covid 19 infections because of vaccinated people and because of Oxford/AstraZeneca (Covishield) vaccines.... First of all, This contagious UK variant could be because of because Oxford/AstraZeneca testing, trials and vaccination in UK and now spreading well in India soon after these mass vaccinations... Vaccinated people spread virus to not vaccinated people ? These western vaccines badly affect on women's health ? 5 well qualified including 4 Western Women Doctors discussed in video, which is on following linked recent article on healthimpactnews, Ref: https://healthimpactnews.com/2021/urgent-5-doctors-agree-that-covid-19-injections-are-bioweapons-and-discuss-what-to-do-about-it/

    DisAgree [1] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Charles D'Mello, Pangala

    Tue, Apr 27 2021

    We need such honest police officers. We have to take our own precautions against Covid-19 for sure. People need not think that personal safety can be imposed upon us by the admiration. It is our own responsibility to take care of our own life. If you are sick no one can bear the pain...except you.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • Dev, Mangalore

    Tue, Apr 27 2021

    Good interview , I liked the last answer despite my disagreement with the unscientific mandates. Having Good Food without money as earnings are hit how it is possible sir? Will all the suffering people due to a measure that had failed to stop infections like lockdown get their accounts credited with PM Cares Fund?

    DisAgree [1] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Paul dsouza, balakunje

    Tue, Apr 27 2021

    Beautifully approached with commissioner & we proud feeling to have him for Manglore whom always remember his good deeds for the people. Very professionally & nicely flown talks. Thank you Walter inviting our respected , kind, deciplined commissioner exclusive for people. God bless.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • HENRY MISQUIITH, India

    Tue, Apr 27 2021

    Best proven home remedy for Covid - "Stay Home" #COVID19 #SocialDistancing Second, mask and handwashing. Only when you can do these can all the others work.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

    Tue, Apr 27 2021

    I Agree ...

    DisAgree [1] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • RkR, Mangalore/ Dubai

    Tue, Apr 27 2021

    Service by your department and frontline worker will always be remembered Our prayers!!

    DisAgree [2] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • V Divakar, Kankanady

    Tue, Apr 27 2021

    A decent and practical.minded IPS.officer.Junior officers and men in uniform to.follow his advice

    DisAgree [2] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse


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