Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, Jun 3: Problems faced by the public due to haphazard parking on footpaths and roads, traffic congestion, and reckless driving of private buses dominated the grievances made to police commissioner Kuldeep Kumar R Jain during the phone-in programme which was held at police commissioner's office here on Saturday June 3.

In the phone-in programme, a resident of Pandeshwar informed the commissioner that a theft had been reported at his residence a month ago and he had filed a complaint with the police in the regard. Answering his query, the police commissioner said that he will follow up on the matter and will know the progress of the case from the officer concerned at the police station.

A caller from Moodbidri complained that auto drivers are charging exorbitant charges to passengers without using the auto fare meter. If the police department and RTO coordinate and display auto fares visible to the public in public places, it will help the commuters. Replying to the complaint, the commissioner said that the police department is already sensitizing the public over the issue. In the upcoming days coordinating with RTO, we will make an effort to end this problem, he said.

Another local said that pipes are dumped on the road near Bendorewell. “The buses and auto rickshaws are parked on the road. Due to this, people are facing problems and there is traffic congestion. In reply, the commissioner said, “We have deployed our men there to control the traffic. When the public spots our people, they follow the rules. When our men are not on the spot, the traffic rules will be violated. Self-discipline should come from within. When we follow rules with self-discipline, the system and traffic congestion will be solved.”

A caller from Bejai complained that the private bus drivers run the vehicle recklessly. “Sometimes they avoid stops though passengers want to alight from the bus. Apartments and commercial buildings have allotted parking lots for commercial purposes. There is no space for the vehicles to be parked. The vehicles are parked on the road which leads to traffic congestion,” he said. In reply, the police commissioner said, "This has come to our notice. When they approach us to take NOC, they inform us that there is parking space, but gradually they convert the parking space for commercial purposes. The local administration and the city corporation should act against it. From our side, once again we will write to the city corporation about this.”

A person who called from Moodbidri complained to the commissioner about an individual who is brewing illicit liquor under Moodbidri station limits. The commissioner said, “We will act soon against this and book the accused under sections of the Excise Act.”

A caller informed that several homeless, drunkards, and offenders have made Statebank, Nehru Maidan as their dwelling spot. This will give a bad image to the city. The commissioner stated that he will do the needful.

A person from Surathkal informed that he lost his iPhone on May 6. In this regard, he had filed a complaint at the police station. The commissioner said that he will check the matter with the police officer regarding the follow-up.

Another person from Surathkal informed the commissioner about gambling taking place inside a bar. The police commissioner assured him of taking prompt action against gambling.

Callers also informed that vehicles are recklessly parked on the footpath and road near Mangaladevi temple. This has led to traffic congestion. In reply, the commissioner asked the ACP to appoint staff from the temple for proper traffic management and proper parking arrangements for the vehicles of devotees.

A caller informed that the vehicles are not following traffic rules instead they come in the wrong direction on the road. Two-wheeler riders are not using helmets. Moreover, triple riding is common in the area. The commissioner said that several awareness programmes have been held. He urged the public to follow traffic rules. When there is self-discipline, the system will be working fine. The public should adhere to the traffic rules, he added.

Two callers also complained about traffic congestion reported in the central market as vehicles are parked on the roads.

DCPs Anshukumar (law and order) and Dinesh Kumar (Crime and Traffic), ACP traffic Geetha Kulkarni and other police officials were present.