For the Uttar Pradesh police, infamous for their brutality and insensitivity toward the women, this may prove to be an exercise for image makeover.
In an initiative greatly welcomed by devotees, police in Varanasi have decided to help pilgrims who become victims of pickpocketing.
A fund named ‘Family Help Fund’ will be utilised to help pilgrims in case they fall sick and need money for their treatment.
An account for the fund has been opened at the State Bank of India branch at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Superintendent of Police (Security) Anil Pandey, who has been authorised to operate the account, said the victims of pickpocketing could approach police for help.
“They will have to satisfy us that they had indeed been pickpocketed,” he said.
Pandey said the victims would be given sleeper class train fare to their destinations besides some cash for additional expenses.
He said anybody could deposit money in this account. The maximum limit of the deposit would be Rs 5,000, he added.
A large number of police personnel, including officers, contributed to the account when it was opened at the SBI branch.
Police said that a large number of pilgrims who visit Varanasi, get pickpocketed and find themselves in great trouble.
