Nagpur: DCP makes video to get plaints, inputs

NAGPUR: In an innovative effort to instill confidence in the police, DCP (Zone-III) Lohit Matani, who took charge recently, has made a video appeal to Nagpurians to fearlessly approach him in case they spot a criminal act. He has also asked people to seek police help to curb illicit activities that go unpunished or unnoticed. The 1.51 minute video shared on various social media platforms has gone viral.
Matani appealed to citizens to contact him (on his mobile number 7028059687 shared in the video) in case they have any grievances against any concerned police stations or have inputs pertaining to IPL betting, gambling spots etc
On the day after releasing the video, Matani received 18 calls and most of the complaints were pertaining to consumption of liquor in the open. “I will definitely take action against such activities,” the DCP told TOI.
Zone-III jurisdiction includes Kotwali, Mahal, Wardhaman Nagar, Pachpaoli, Ganeshpeth, Shanti Nagar, Lakadganj and Tehsil among other areas. Sources said these areas have actually become infamous for illegal activities like betting, gambling, illicit liquor, IPL betting etc. In the recent past even the city police including crime branch have unearthed many illegal activities in this part of the city.
Matani said that to ensure effective redressal of complaints he has also made a special register to note down any citizens’ grievances and inputs.
An IPS officer of 2014 batch, Matani issued the video message putting his personal cell phone number as a helpline number. “I will be available 24X7 for the citizens,” he said.
He claimed that he will try to ensure resolution of the complainants or any intelligence inputs within stipulated time period. “If I’m busy in meeting or any other work, my RTPC (radio telephony police constable) will be entrusted to note down the complaints,” he said.
To a query on how he would ensure compliance of a grievance or any intelligence input, the DCP said he would try to resolve the complaints through police stations only. “If needed, other investigation modes will be adopted,” he said.
This is not the first time that Matani has shared his contact number publicly. He added that when he was posted earlier as SRPF commandant in Amravati, additional SP Jalgaon and SDPO Ramtek subdivision, he used similar technique to bridge the gap between citizens and police.
“This single move makes the police approachable and also changes image of police,” he said.