From Rowdies to Reformed Citizens: B'lore Police in Unique Mission
Bangalore, Jun 1 (Deccan Chronicle): It was a different parade at CAR North grounds on Wednesday with all rowdies lined up other under one roof. In a unique effort, North-East division police summoned 51 rowdy-sheeters at one place to give them a chance to mend their ways and join the mainstream of society. On the instructions of city Police Commissioner B.G. Jyothiprakash Mirji, police inspectors of 10 police stations in North-East division directed the rowdies to join the unique parade.
Joint Commissioner of Police (crime) Alok Kumar said that cops gave a patient hearing to the problems faced by rowdies on the path of reformation. The division has 69 rowdy-sheeters of whom some are in prison. “On the instructions of the commissioner we have launched a new programme to give a chance to people on the rowdy list to prove they have given up crime. This programme is surely not for the hardened criminals, but for those who were added in the list long ago and are also willing to get back to the mainstream. The reformation programme will be held along with counseling and later, after a thorough check, their names will be dropped from the rowdy list,’’ Mr Alok Kumar said.
The response to this unique programme was overwhelming as not only rowdy-sheeters, their family members too turned up at the parade and requested the police officials to help them lead a normal life. The joint commissioner said the programme will take place in all divisions in the city in the coming days. “We want to give them a fair chance to mend their ways. We studied the list of rowdy-sheeters and want to short-list those who could be given a chance. We will also listen to the problems they are facing in their efforts to get back to a normal life. If possible, we will help them in this regard,’’ Mr Alok said.
In fact, reformed rowdies, chain-snatchers, muggers and burglars might get a chance to walk with the beat police in future. A senior police official said that though this is just at the proposal stage, cops are chalking out plans to allow reformed criminals to accompany them on night patrols.