Blueprint ready to improve traffic system

Mangaluru: On April 18^th, 2018, Vipul Kumar accepted his charge as the police commissioner of Mangaluru in the backdrop of the state legislative assembly election and on June 8^th, he received his transfer orders. In just the span of 51 days, he has provided an invaluable service to the people of this region. He especially conducted a meeting with all the department officers in relation to improving the traffic solution and has come up with a blueprint for it. In order to put an end to all the illegal activities, he has also arranged for the creation of a list containing the identities of regular defaulters. He also initiated strict action against sand traffickers. In an exclusive chit-chat session, he spoke with Hilary Crasta of ‘Udayavani’ about his experience in Mangaluru. Translated to English by Aaron Dmello

What is your opinion about Mangaluru?

Mangaluru is a fantastic city. It has a negative image as a communal area for outsiders. But, that is not the truth. People of all the communities live amicably here. The peaceful conduction of the elections and the recent incident of floods, where people of all the communities united for the rescue operation by helping each other is an example for this.

Haven’t some unfortunate events occurred occasionally?

It is true that some unfortunate incidents have taken place. But, it should not be labelled and manipulate as it gives rise to problems.  

How should be the action of the police in this regard?

Strict action should be taken against those who cross legal limits. Preparations have also been done to gather information about cattle thieves, communal and other goondas, moral policing and communal hatred spreaders. If there is proper information, it is possible to take proper action well within time.

Presently, strict action is taken against those who sow communal hatred message on social networks. The people have recognized this and appreciated the police. Due to this, awareness has been created amongst the people. Police should work impartially. If proper timely action is taken, clashes can be avoided.

What are the challenges faced by the police here?

This is a border area. The criminals are from Karnataka and Kerala and keep shuffling either way. More attention needs to be given to this.  For this, the number of CCTV’s must be increased.

What is your opinion on the phone-in programme?

I have taken part in only one programme. Based on the calls that I had received then, I travelled throughout the city, understood the problems and attempted to respond. Already solutions have been given to several problems. We are always ready to give answers to the people.

Your opinion on the traffic problems in the city?

In order to resolve the traffic problem in the city, a coordination meeting was conducted three days back with the various departments including MCC, traffic police, PWD, Mescom, National Highway Authority, MUDA and other departments. Problems including traffic density, parking problem, footpath encroachment, signal light problems and other problems were discussed. Intimation has been given to create a blueprint and to apply it within a specific time frame.

What is your message for the people of Mangaluru?

There are very few members from Mangaluru and Dakshina Kannada in the police department. Delivering service in the police department needs to be recognized as a social service and the youth of Dakshina Kannada must come forward to join the department.

The police and the people are the two faces of the same coin. We need to cooperate with each other. People should inform the police about any wrongdoings and also should get the matter to light when the police do something wrong.