Udupi Principal District and Sessions Judge Kiran Siddappa Gangannavar flags off 'Mane Manege Police' in Udupi.
Credit: Special Arrangement
Udupi: 'Mane Manege Police' initiative was launched in Udupi on Friday. The initiative was aimed at confidence-building measures and redress issues faced by the people.
The campaign was flagged off by Udupi Principal District and Sessions Judge Kiran Siddappa Gangannavar who extended his best wishes for the success of the teams involved, emphasising that police services should reach every household.
Udupi Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar, Additional SPs Sudhakar S Naik and Parameshwar Hegde; Udupi Sub-Division DySP Prabhu DT, and PSIs from Udupi Town and Traffic Stations including Bharatesh, Narayana, Prakash Salian, and Hussain Saab, along with other police personnel were present during the inauguration.
The campaign is being rolled out in accordance with a 27-point government directive and was initiated simultaneously in Udupi Town, Manipal, Brahmavar, and Kota police station jurisdictions under Udupi sub-division.
During house visits, officers were engaging with the public to raise awareness on cybercrimes, drug and substance abuse, juvenile crimes, Pocso Act, house thefts, chain snatching, traffic rules and road safety, said Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar.
Residents' names and mobilephone numbers will be collected, and their complaints, grievances, and requests are being noted for further action.
Each station has formed a dedicated team comprising PIs/PSIs, ASIs, and both male and female staff. On the first day alone, teams visited 28 homes in Udupi Town, 45 in Manipal, 30 in Brahmavar and 25 in Kota.
The SP said teams, led by PSIs and ASIs, have planned systematic visits to homes in the coming weeks. The public has responded positively, appreciating the efforts and purpose of the campaign. It will take atleast three to three and a half months to reach all the households in the district.
Residents in an apartment in Udupi expressed happiness over the initiative and said that the initiative would help build trust with the police. On several occasions, people often tend to keep their distance from the police. The initiative is educative as well.
The residents raised concern over drug menace and said that the younger generation is getting spoiled due to the menace.
Udupi Sub-Division DySP Prabhu DT during a visit to an apartment said the initiative is to bridge the gap between the police and citizens and also raise awareness among the people.
Last year, Udupi district registered 85 cases on cybercrimes and the loss is estimated at around Rs 4.10 crore. People should be alert and should not fall prey to cyber fraud.