Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Dec 19: Udupi district Superintendent of Police (SP) Arun K inaugurated the "Crime Prevention Month" programme organised by the Udupi district police at Narayana Guru Auditorium, Bannanje, on Thursday, December 19.
The event, aimed at raising awareness about crime prevention and safety, saw the participation of prominent figures, including actor Aravind Bolar, model Spoorthi Shetty, winner of "Mrs. Earth International Tourism 2024" title Dr Shruthi Ballal, and Walter Nandalike, the founder of Daijiworld Media.
In his inaugural address, SP Arun K emphasised the growing challenges in crime prevention, such as cybercrime, online betting, and gambling. He urged the public to cooperate with the police in combating these new-age crimes.
“Every year, "Crime Prevention Month" is celebrated during December in Karnataka. The main aim of the event is to prevent crime. The crime rates are increasing and taking new forms. Cybercrime, online betting, and gambling are the new challenges to the police department. If the public cooperates with police officials, crimes can be prevented,” said Arun K.
He also highlighted traditional crimes, like theft and chain snatching, which can be mitigated by taking basic precautions. The SP pointed out the alarming number of fatal accidents in the district, with nearly 350 people dying every year.
“Most preventive crime is accidental deaths. Nearly 350 people every year die due to fatal accidents in Udupi district. These accidental deaths can be prevented by wearing helmets, seat belts while driving four-wheelers,” he added.
Actor and comedian Aravind Bolar also shared his thoughts at the event, focusing on the importance of community support for the police.
“We should never fear the police, they are one of us. The police profession represents discipline. Crime is committed by both the rich and the poor, yet we often hide it. We witness wrongdoing but hesitate to report it out of fear for our safety or that of our children. This is a critical mistake because a single act of negligence can lead to suffering for many,” he said.
Bolar emphasised that people should not fear reporting crimes but instead work with law enforcement to ensure swift justice. “To prevent such harm, we must support the police and never turn a blind eye to crime,” he urged.
He also touched on how advancements in technology, such as mobile gadgets and CCTV surveillance, have helped in reducing the fear of reporting crimes.
Model Spoorthi Shetty shared her perspective on the importance of addressing inappropriate behaviour. “When I began my pageant career, it was all about glamour and beauty, but over time, I realized it serves a greater purpose. There are many issues that go unnoticed. For instance, when traveling by bus, if someone misbehaves with us, it is a criminal offense. People often dismiss such acts as minor, but they can severely impact one's mental health. If someone has the audacity to behave inappropriately, you should have the courage to stand up, say it's wrong, and express your discomfort,” she said.
Shetty highlighted that teasing or passing comments, regardless of gender or age, is sexual harassment and can lead to legal consequences, such as imprisonment or a fine.
Winner of "Mrs. Earth International Tourism 2024" title, Dr. Shruthi Ballal, focused on the growing concerns about addiction. “Despite knowing that alcohol, smoking, and drugs are harmful, many still indulge in these habits. Some even misuse medications like paracetamol for headaches due to addiction. For me, the ABCD taught in school takes on a new meaning: A for Addiction, B for Behavioural Changes, C for Cravings and Curiosity, and D for Dependence,” she said.
Ballal stressed the importance of managing stress and emotional challenges in healthy ways. “I have noticed a growing number of young women turning to smoking, often to cope with stress, tension, or loneliness. To manage these feelings, it’s crucial to maintain a balanced lifestyle, proper food, sufficient sleep, hydration, and staying away from addictive substances,” she advised.
In the latter part of the event, Walter Nandalike, founder of Daijiworld Media, shared his personal experiences and his vision for a drug-free and crime-free Udupi. “Let us strive to make Udupi a district free from drugs and crime,” Nandalike said.
He reflected on his childhood dreams of becoming a police officer and how he later found opportunities to portray police officers in films and serials. “Safety is crucial, Aravind Bolar survived an accident because he wore a helmet, yet many still ride without one. Some even evade the police by speeding away when stopped. Disrespecting the police is a serious offense,” he added. Nandalike also spoke about the importance of awareness, noting that people often only take action after they experience a crime themselves.
“We only take action after facing crime ourselves, making awareness programs essential. Despite witnessing tragedies, we rarely learn from others' mistakes,” he said, urging the youth to create meaningful content to raise awareness. “I urge youth to create and share meaningful content to raise awareness instead of merely reposting others’ work. Never put your parents in situations where they must plead for your mistakes,” he concluded.
The event concluded with the release of a crime awareness poster by the dignitaries. Ramachandra Nayak of CEN police station and Devaraj T V, Police Inspector, detailed various crime prevention methods.
The event was attended by students from various institutions, dignitaries, and community members, with DSP Udupi Prabhu D T and Additional Superintendent of Police P A Hegade also present.