Using the free Wi-Fi Internet on the M.G. Road during odd hours may result in your smart phone being seized by the police and yourself being summoned to the police station for a counselling session.
The free Internet service provided along the M.G. Road stretch has attracted a large number of smart phone users since its launch this January, and many youngsters are using it late in the night. Some of them hang out on the stretch till the wee hours to download their favourite programmes.
This has paved the way for security concern, prompting the police to keep a special vigil on the people hanging out at bus shelters and storefronts post 11 p.m.
As part of the drive, police officials concerned have started confiscating phones from those found wandering at night in the name of using the Internet.
Recently, a young bank employee, who was using the Wi-Fi facility near the Sub-Collector’s office after 11 p.m. was confronted by a police official, who seized his phone. After taking possession of the gadget, the officer asked him to meet him at the station the next morning.
Chain snatched
When contacted, Suryaraopet Circle Inspector G. Vinay Mohan said, “We are concerned about the security in the region where there is frequent VVIP movement. We need to identify people hanging out late in the night. So we are calling them to the station the next day for a counselling session. However, if they show their proof of identity, we are letting them go on the spot.”
“We came to know about the activities of suspected miscreants during nights and we want to be more vigil. Recently, a youngster, who was using the Internet near the indoor stadium, lost his gold chain in the night,” Mr. Vinay Mohan said.
