A senior police official is adopting an innovative path to create awareness about cyber crime and the historic ‘Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act’.
The officer K. Raja Sikhamani, who heads Police Training College in Vizianagaram, walks for long distances frequently to highlight government initiatives and benefits of various Laws for the protection of women and children.
Previously, he walked to various places including Visakhapatnam, Tatipudi, Bhogapuram and other areas in the district to emphasise the need for protecting children, particular girls from crimes.
He recently walked from Vizianagaram to Bobbili, covering a distance of almost 60 km, to highlight the POSCO Act, which protects chidren below 18 years from sexual harassment and other problems.
People who were proved guilty under the Act will have to face seven years of jail and a fine also. The Act which came into force on June 20, 2012 is yet to catch people’s attention.
He strongly feels that awareness about important Acts will enable people to approach police department and courts for justice.
According to him, crime rate has gone up drastically with the usage of technology and social media. Through his ‘padayatra’, he asks youngsters to protect themselves from cyber crimes.
He asked them to protect their privacy on facebook. According to him, passwords should be changed frequently.
Personal information should not be shared with strangers. E-mails from unknown persons should not be opened.
“The people should approach the nearest police station immediately if anybody is harassing them by misusing technology and social media. They can also lodge complaints if any financial fraud takes place. The cyber crime department will try to gather information and do justice immediately,” he said.
Mr. Sikhamani, 59 years old, feels that participation in marathons would also highlight the importance of fitness. “We are giving utmost priority to every senior official’s fitness. That is why; they are being given special training in physical fitness, yoga, swimming and others. Physical fitness will make them to work in an efficient manner,” he said while speaking to The Hindu.