Not a single phone call has been received in the Anti Theft Cell for the last one-and-half-month. Since its establishment, only 33 phone calls were received. In order to ensure police respond swiftly after the occurrence of the crime and redressal of registered report, Dehradun police had established several helplines, including anti-theft cell, senior citizen’s cell and cyber cell.
Recently, taking cognisance of a report in which a doctor was manhandled by some student union leaders, district police has established medical helpline. Observers said that responses received in these helplines reveal that either people do not know about these cells or they do not want to store so many phone numbers. It would have been better if these numbers are connected with the police phone number 100 because this number is easy to remember and people can easily dial it in any adverse circumstances for redressal of their grievances.
The anti-theft cell was set in the SSP office to stop burglary cases in locked homes. People were appealed to inform the anti-theft cell on 7409783119 or 100 or local police station if they leave their home locked for some days. After receiving their report in the cell, police carry out inspections of their home periodically.
Despite establishment of this cell, police failed to control burglaries in locked houses as people had not informed the police on this number. According to Cell officials, only 33 phone calls were reported so far even though several months have been passed since its establishment. One sub-inspector and four constables are deputed here. At least, one constable is on duty 24 hours.
A woman resident of Shimla bypass, who claimed herself as a relative of DGP BS Sidhu said that she has been receiving vulgar messages from a person since September 4. When her husband approached ISBT Chowki about this, the Chowki in-charge suggested to wait for sometime because offender would automatically stop sending the messages.
According to her, she was known to cyber cell but she did not inform the police through cyber cell number because it is difficult to remember the number every time. Finally, she reached the Cyber Cell on October 18 and informed the officials about her report. She again reached the Cyber Cell on October 23, the official told her to investigation will start after written complaint. Finally, she reported her complaint on the same day. On October 24, she again reached the cell and found her issue remained unchanged.
She further said, “I have received around 15 vulgar messages from unknown phone numbers since September 4. I cannot change my mobile number.” Dehradun SSP Khurana said, “We have established several cells to ensure police respond swiftly after the occurrence of the crime and redressal of registered report. After reviewing this with the police officers, these calls will be connected with police number 100.
He appealed the people to directly report by dialling women helpline number -1090, cyber security cell number-8954748118 and 7409002299, patrolling squad number- 7579246633 and 9634599461, women protection cell number-9410677859 and control number 100, 9411112972 and action will be taken after registering reports.