Visakhapatnam: Director General of Police (DGP), Mr. Ch. Dwaraka Tirumala Rao IPS, presided over a comprehensive review meeting with the Commissioner of Police (CP) and the Superintendents of Police (SsP) from five key districts within the Visakhapatnam Commissionerate and Visakha Range. The meeting, which took place at the City Police Conference Hall, served as a critical forum for assessing the current state of law enforcement in the region. The discussion spanned several vital areas, including law and order management, the status of case disposals, progress in ongoing investigations, strategies for eradicating cannabis cultivation, and measures to prevent and combat cybercrime.
Key Points from the Review Meeting:
Criminal Activities and Investigation Strategies:
The DGP underscored the importance of addressing the various crimes being committed within the Visakha Range, with a particular focus on the effectiveness and thoroughness of ongoing investigations. He stressed the need for a more strategic approach to ensure that investigations are conducted with precision and lead to successful case resolutions.
Priority Issues – Narcotic Drugs and Cannabis Eradication:
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the urgent issue of narcotic drugs, particularly the cultivation and distribution of ganja (cannabis). The DGP highlighted that the State government has prioritized the eradication of ganja as a key objective. To this end, a cabinet sub-committee comprising five ministers has been established to oversee and coordinate the eradication efforts.
The DGP drew parallels to past successes in combating Naxalism, factionalism, and red sanders smuggling, where specialized forces were created to tackle these issues. Similarly, he proposed the formation of an Anti-Narcotic Task Force, which would be empowered to take decisive action against narcotics trafficking and related activities. The proposal for this task force has already been submitted, and the cabinet sub-committee is expected to make a formal decision soon.
Hospital Safety and Strengthening Law Enforcement:
Another critical topic of discussion was the safety and security of hospitals within the region. The DGP emphasized that Investigating Officers (IOs) would receive specialized training aimed at enhancing their ability to handle cases involving hospital security effectively. The goal is to ensure that any incidents are met with strict legal action, thereby deterring potential offenders and maintaining a safe environment within healthcare facilities.
Agricultural Transition and Farmer Awareness:
The DGP acknowledged the challenges faced by farmers involved in the cultivation of ganja and outlined the steps being taken to prevent this illegal activity. A key component of the strategy is to encourage farmers to transition to alternative, legal crops. To support this transition, the police, in collaboration with other government agencies, are organizing awareness campaigns that educate farmers on the benefits of alternative crops and the legal risks associated with ganja cultivation.
Cybercrime Prevention and Response:
The rise in cybercrime cases was identified as a growing concern that requires immediate attention. To enhance the police’s ability to combat cybercrime, the DGP announced plans to establish a dedicated cybercrime police station in every district within the state. These specialized stations will be equipped with the necessary resources and trained personnel to handle the unique challenges posed by cybercrime.
The DGP also emphasized the importance of timely reporting by victims. He introduced the concept of the “golden hour,” a critical period immediately following a cybercrime during which swift reporting can enable the police to freeze involved bank accounts and prevent further financial loss. The public is urged to report cybercrimes as soon as possible to ensure effective intervention.
This review meeting was a pivotal moment for setting the agenda and priorities for law enforcement in the Visakhapatnam region. The discussions and decisions made will likely shape the strategic direction of police activities, particularly in the areas of narcotics control, cybercrime prevention, and overall law and order management. The DGP’s leadership and the collaborative efforts of the police officials are expected to bring about significant improvements in public safety and crime reduction across the region.
