Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Udupi, Jun 9: "If district authorities fail to install CCTV cameras in all main locations in Udupi, we will seek donors and work for the welfare of society," stated social worker Pradeep Samuel Sadanand during a press conference held on Friday,June 9.
Despite Udupi being a heritage and tourist center, it lacks adequate safety measures. While CCTV cameras are present in main junctions such as Karavai underpass, City bus stop, and Sri Krishna Math, none of them are functional. Incidents of theft, including theft of offertory boxes, have been increasing recently. The lack of evidence due to non-functioning CCTV cameras is hindering the police's ability to apprehend the culprits. This has resulted in a rise in activities such as rape, theft, drug smuggling, pickpocketing, and murder within the district.
Addressing the media, Pradeep expressed, "The absence of operational CCTV cameras is making it difficult for the police to solve cases. The local government authorities, who are responsible for this, must investigate the matter and make appropriate arrangements for the replacement of these cameras. We will submit an appeal letter to the District Commissioner (DC)."
Pradeep also shared his personal experience, saying, "On May 2, 2023, I lost my phone while purchasing necessary items from a medical store in Raj Towers. The thief stole my mobile phone and fled in an Innova Crysta car. I immediately reported the incident to the police. Although they managed to identify the thief from the CCTV footage of a nearby shop, they couldn't determine his escape route due to the non-functioning CCTV cameras in the city. However, after reviewing footage from different shops, the thief was ultimately apprehended. During our search for the thief, we discovered that none of the CCTV cameras in Udupi were functioning, prompting us to raise our voice against this issue and write an appeal letter to the DC."
Leaders Yathish Karkera, Pradeep, Sadashiva Kattegudde, and Abubakkar Kasim were present at the press conference.