Udayavani Interview: Police officers to be trained to tackle cyber crime cases at stations, says DIGP

Mangaluru: Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) for Western Range Dr. M B Boralingaiah in an exclusive interview with Udayavani said that all police stations under the zone, which includes Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, Chikkamagaluru, and Uttara Kannada districts, will be equipped to handle cyber crimes apart from handling cases of theft, murder, and robbery, etc.

Speaking as he took charge as DIGP, Boralingaiah expressed his readiness to take effective measures to combat cyber crimes, drugs, and accidents.

What will you do to increase public trust in the police?

It is essential to instill the belief that the police are there to help the people. We must adopt a people-friendly policy. Whenever anyone visits the station, officers must listen to their grievances without negligence and register a case if necessary.

What measures are being taken immediately to curb illegal activities and crimes?

Visits by police to every locality and increased patrolling will be emphasized. Night beats and extensive patrolling will be implemented. Vigilance will also be increased. Police will also monitor suspects, and accused involved in old cases.

How would you protect people from online fraud?

With the rise in online and digital transactions, fraud and crimes have also increased. Rural populations are falling into the trap of cyber scammers. The Director General of Police has given clear instructions to tackle cyber crimes effectively. Accordingly, effective measures will be taken to detect and prevent cyber crimes in each police station.

Special training will be given to sub-inspectors and some staff to handle cyber cases. Only the most complicated cases will be referred to the Cyber Crime Department, while the rest will be handled by local police stations.

Isn’t the web of drugs reaching villages too?

Yes. Special attention will be given to this issue. Strict laws will be enforced and drug suppliers will be dealt with sternly. Drug consumers will be identified and counselled.

Drug abuse is a social menace and special efforts is required to eradicate it. During my previous stints, while working as the SP in Udupi and for a few days in Dakshina Kannada, I acted against drug-related activities.

What is the police’s plan for road safety?

Action will be taken against drivers and riders who violate traffic rules. A large number of people are losing their lives in road accidents. We will conduct a mapping exercise for installing warnings in accident-prone areas. Wherever accidents occur due to unscientific work and poor condition of roads, a notice will be given to the concerned.

How is the preparation for the upcoming elections?

Increased surveillance and special vigilance will be established in the border areas and regions where there are possibilities of Naxal activities. More police forces will be deployed.

How is moral policing being addressed?

There will be no compromise on any form of law violation. Law and order, peace, and security are our top priorities. We believe that everyone will cooperate with this.

(Translated from Kannada interview by Santhosh Bolettu)