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.

Watch Full Interview: