Thanks to the IT-savvy measures of the Tirupati Urban District Police, the beat constables are virtually on their toes.
When Android phones with data connection were distributed to the constables working on various beats, especially on the outskirts, they were taken for ‘goodies’ and were happily accepted. It was only after some time that the cops came to know that the phones were meant to keep tab on their movement. The GPS-enabled phones helped their higher-ups track the location of the beat constables. “The constables are now roaming in their beat areas and this has enhanced the level of accountability,” said Superintendent of Police S.V. Rajasekhar Babu, whose brainchild is this project.
Mr. Rajasekhar Babu, who completed a year in office on Saturday, said his focus would be on curtailing red sanders smuggling. A police-forest joint taskforce was formed this year to crack the whip on offenders. The ‘huge returns’ lured many into the profession and it has become too unwieldy for the police to keep a watch.
While a mere four cases were booked last year involving 22 persons, the number phenomenally rose to 104 cases and 940 accused so far in 2013. “We are working towards banning its export or cutting supplies at the ports so as to bring down the demand for the precious wood. This will help in saving the trees,” he told The Hindu .
During his tenure, the department recovered property worth Rs.64.7 lakh.
