Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, October 10, 2024, Kolkata : In a proactive move to ensure public safety during the bustling Durga Puja celebrations, Commissioner of Police Manoj Verma has issued a series of directives to Kolkata police officers. Emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy towards misbehavior, Verma instructed that any police personnel found acting improperly towards the public will face strict consequences.
According to sources from Lalbazar, the Commissioner underscored the importance of maintaining a respectful and supportive presence, particularly towards vulnerable groups such as the elderly, women, and children. “Bad behavior that tarnishes the image of our force will not be tolerated,” he asserted, adding that any officer found intoxicated during the festivities will also face strict disciplinary action.
With the streets of Kolkata bustling with people during Durga Puja, police forces are ramping up their efforts to prevent crime and ensure safety. Officers in white uniforms are conducting round-the-clock surveillance, supported by an extensive network of approximately 27,000 CCTV cameras monitored from the Lalbazar control room.
In an initiative to assist those who may become lost in the crowd, the Kolkata Police has partnered with the Child Welfare Committee and various voluntary organizations to launch “Bandhu Kolkata,” providing a dedicated helpline at 9163737373.
Additionally, traffic guards have been instructed to rigorously enforce sobriety checks on drivers during the festivities. Intelligence reports have indicated potential threats of disorder in the mandapam areas, prompting heightened vigilance with plainclothes officers deployed alongside uniformed personnel.
A total of 10,000 police officers, including members from the Traffic, Special Branch, and Intelligence Division, are stationed throughout the city. With 200 pickets established and 36 officers of Deputy Commissioner rank actively overseeing the operations, the Kolkata Police are prepared to swiftly respond to any disturbances.
As the city celebrates one of its most cherished festivals, the Kolkata Police remain committed to ensuring a safe and joyous environment for all.