Uttar Pradesh is notoriously famous for being the crime capital of India; criminals are having their free run as due to lack of evidence or witnesses, they use the loopholes in the law to create mayhem all over.
But not anymore, as WhatsApp has unleashed a new battle against crime and criminals in UP.
Few weeks back, Lucknow Traffic Police had launched a unique complaint tool based on popular messaging application WhatsApp, wherein general public were encouraged to share details of traffic offenders.
For example, if any person watches a car with all its glasses covered with dark film, or a vehicle not stopping on a red light, over-speeding etc, then they can report it using the WhatsApp complaint tool.
The results have been encouraging so far, as more than 3363 challans have been issued by the Lucknow Traffic Police based on the traffic complaints received via WhatsApp, using images and videos as evidence.
This novel scheme to stop crime using WhatsApp was launched by Lucknow’s deputy inspector general (DIG) Navneit Sikera, who said, “The response has been tremendous and within a few weeks we have been able to pinpoint those who break traffic rules and act against them.”
So huge is the outcome that Lucknow police has decided to combine this WhatsApp complaint tool with Women’s helpline number 1090 to stop eve-teasing, molestation and other crime against women. As per Sikera, all major 43 police stations in the state-capital have been informed to publicize this WhatsApp complaint tool so that more and more cases are reported.
The Ripple Effect
Buoyed by the response and the success, other Government departments have also started using WhatsApp to stop crime and criminals.
GRP: Government Railways Police or GRP has started using WhatsApp to nab ticket-less travelers, thieves and those anti-social elements who disturb and molest other passengers in the train or station premises. And, more importantly, it will be also used to monitor those railways staff which seek bribes and favors from passengers.
One GRP Official recently shared, “We have been flooded with complaints that TTEs (Travelling Ticket Examiners) seek bribes to confirm tickets and also adjust illegal passengers on board trains and sometimes even GRP constables are said to be indulging in extortion. WhatsApp has emerged as a major crime stopper for us,”
UP State Roadways Transport Corporation (UPSRTC): UPSRTC managing director Mukesh Meshram too has initiated a state wide campaign using WhatsApp to make buses and bus stations more clean and hygienic and to nab criminals who get away due to lack of evidence.
State wide advertising campaigns have been launched wherein travelers and passengers are encouraged to click images and shoot videos to showcase poor facilities, torn seats, ticketless travelers, lack of drinking water and more issues and share them with the WhatsApp number.
Is there any other way WhatsApp can be used to stop crime and nab criminals? Do share your views by commenting right here!
[…] Traffic Police had launched a unique complaint tool based on WhatsApp, wherein general public were encouraged to share details of traffic offenders. This has resulted in […]