Hafta bandh, thanks to SMS police helpine?

Updated on: 08 May,2011 07:55 AM IST |
Sayed Roshan |

The Mumbai police has launched two helplines to reach out to citizens facing problems with the police -- from rude behavior to bribe demands.

The Mumbai police has launched two helplines to reach out to citizens facing problems with the policeu00a0-- from rude behavior to bribe demands. The helplines will connect citizens with officers of higher rank. This step was taken after complaints were received regarding rude behaviour of local policemen.

If a citizen is harassed by the police, he or she can send an SMS to 7738133133 and 7738144144. The SMS will go directly to the Joint Commissioner of Police, Rajneesh Seth (Law and order). He will then draw up a list of such complaints which will be produced before Mumbai Police Commissioner Arup Patnaik, who, in turn, will probe the matter.

Action will be taken on the complaint within three to four days. Police hope that this will empower citizens and keep them alert in addition to curbing corruption within the police force and stopping errant cops from taking hafta from helpless citizens.

"If a citizen wants to file a complaint and the local police is not cooperating, he/she can send an SMS to the given numbers. The complaint will be forwarded to the Joint Commissioner, who will pass it on the Commissioner, who will order a probe into the matter. Action on such complaints will be taken within 3 to 4 days," said S P Yadav, Deputy Commissioner of police (Administration).