Erode: The Erode District Police introduced a provision for the citizens to make complaints using WhatsApp number 9514500100 and a month after its introduction the system has gained popularity as the officials in the department respond rapidly. The messages sent by the citizens in the forms of photographs and video clippings are forwarded to the officials concerned. Superintendent of Police Mr. R. Sivakumar said, within a matter of hours investigations are carried out and the response is also posted in the WhatsApp group created for the Police in the district. In recent days there were two complaints, one at a place near Solar and another at a lodge near Railway Junction and in both cases, the official in the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police raided the locations. Checking The Police officials at all levels are, nevertheless, required to be on their toes since their responsive action is open for scrutiny by their peers in the department, even though nothing incriminating could be established. The complainants have the relief of maintaining anonymity by conveying the message across without having to visit police stations. The Police have, at least so far, not come across any complainant indulging in mischief. Police had told complainants that only complaints of general nature – Traffic Congestion, Accidents, Unwanted Assemblies, Road Blocks, Road Norms Violations, Gambling, Lottery Sale, and Ganja Sale would be taken up. Personal complaints would be rejected Official sources said after the provision was launched on 24 August there have been four to five complaints on a daily basis. This is in addition to the complaints the department receives through landline: 0424-2260100 and 100 (Control Room). The police had conveyed to the citizens intending to convey their grievances that they could directly speak to the Superintendent of Police over his mobile phone: 98421-26150. Mr. Mohan, Deputy Superintendent of Police, DSP, Sathyamangalam Division, said owing to these facets of Public-Police interface, there is now a sense of fear lurking in the minds of criminals that their wrong-doings could be exposed easily.]]>
