Feb
2010
Hello, I am….
Republic Day Parade on Red Road, 2010 28th January, 2010
Media persons have a general tendency to blow a story out of proportions. We all accept this because we know that they have to somehow catch fleeting public attention and improve TRP ratings of the channel! However, we feel sorry for the reporter, when, by doing so, he misses the wood for the trees!
One recent example is the ‘News’ of Kolkata Police traffic sergeant’s motor cycle suddenly developing a fault while passing the saluting base during the Republic day parade. The machine sputtered and stopped midway and after some embarrassing moments, the sergeant could make it start once again. But, by this time, the damage has already been done! This ‘News’ was aired in the ‘Star Ananda’ channel throughout the day, showing it as another example of ‘gross inefficiency’ of Kolkata Police organization.
Now, a machine is after all a machine and in spite of best possible human efforts, it can go wrong at the most unexpected moment. This is not to say that everything is all right or to say that we are quite complacent about it. In fact, we have already ordered a departmental enquiry for fixing up the responsibility and initiating corrective actions.
But what pains me most is the conclusion drawn by the news anchor of the TV channel. He declared to his audience with a smug face that the episode proves the ‘gross inefficiency’ of Kolkata Police.
Do the media think that the efficiency of an entire organization like Kolkata Police with strength of more than 24,000 people can be judged by a single technical fault? Does the anchor know that on the same day in the same parade, Kolkata Police contingents won no less than six prizes under different categories? Has that channel ever considered that more than 8,000 policemen were performing their duty tirelessly since 0530 in the morning in and around the venue of the Parade? And why on 26th January only? A large group of policemen had been keeping sharp watch on the parade ground and also on the malls, multiplexes, and places of religious gatherings at least seven days before the Republic day celebrations. And all this was for making the citizens safe and secure while they were watching the parade! But obviously such considerations did not play in the mind of the news anchor!
Of course, we want to do everything we do with absolute perfection. And so in the case of Republic day parade. Any minor glitch in the parade upsets us, saddens us and makes us feel immensely embarrassed. Because it stares in the face of our efforts in doing things to the utmost perfection. But even then imperfection pops up at all odd times, technical snag happens. When it happens, you can do nothing but to stand, watch and wish that it did not happen!
The dysfunction of the sergeant’s motor-cycle is a technical problem. Whether it could be avoided is debatable at this stage and only a full fledged enquiry will throw answers to this. But drawing a conclusion from that glitch about how inefficient we are is, I think, ethically poor, factually wrong and eventually a lie served to a large audience the news channel boasts of.
Technical faults happen at every field. Even the television news channels are no exception. We often are witnesses of ludicrous incidents on the television screens because of technical faults. How many times one has witnessed the anchor asking a question repeatedly to his field reporter but the field reporter gives a vacant look, only to be told later that the ‘satellite link’ has broken! But such things never make us jump to the conclusion that the news channel is inefficient. We accept it as a part of life. Then, why not in the case of police?
The story did not make any sense to majority of the audience, but it caused immense harm to the morale of the force, which is relentless in its duty to make the city safe. I personally nurture a great respect for the Media, as the ‘fourth estate’ of democracy and it has every right to be critical on public issues. But such criticism should be positive and constructive and should not turn into bashing a soft target like police for its own sake!
I will be happy to receive your comments on this.
Goutam Mohan Chakrabarti
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Power failure? Call the Commissioner 8th January, 2010
This news item published in The Telegraph on 2nd January, 2010 is a sad reflection of how some vested interest groups are dragging the office of the Commissioner of Police, Kolkata into a quagmire of controversy over some comments which I actually never meant!
The main issue i.e. public security has been put on a backburner and my comment regarding future holding of cricket matches under floodlight at the Eden Gardens blown out of all proportions. Once for all, I am saying that, as an ardent cricket lover like all of you, I am the last person to stop a cricket match in the city, but at the same time, I, as a professional policeman, cannot compromise on the safety and security of thousands of Kolkatans.
You must be knowing that 26/11 has increased the responsibility of Kolkata Police by manifold as Kolkata is on the radar of the terror elements. The glitches in the power system can be taken lightly by a commoner or a CAB official (with all due regards to the institution of CAB) but it is never so for us. A mega event like the cricket match at Eden Gardens can always be a potent target from these elements. You may recall how the Sri Lankan team was targeted at Lahore in Pakistan a few months back. This time a few days before the match, the security manager of the Srilankan team, an army official of the rank of Major-general, flew down to Kolkata for a special briefing on the security scenario. Even, I had to send one of my Special Commissioners to brief the Sri Lankan and Indian teams at their Hotel regarding their ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ every evening. Moreover, a power failure in an individual household can never be put on a similar footing with the incident at the Eden Gardens, where thousands of people including ladies and children assembled to watch the game.
Our journalist friend might have got misguided by the conversation on the live show on the ‘Star Ananda’ channel between the CAB adviser on stadium lighting and Special Additional Commissioner Mr. Debasish Roy over technical jargon and failed to judge the merit of programme where I was representing the city police to clarify the position taken by us on security aspect.
The sarcastic comparison between the Commissioner’s post with that of an electrical engineer left a bad taste, more so when I never claimed that I have any profound knowledge over the subject. I once again humbly reiterate that Shri Debashis Roy, Special Additional CP, was entrusted with the enquiry to establish the prima facie reasons behind the floodlight fiasco on 24th December, 2009, as both the agencies, CESC and CAB, categorically denied their responsibilities. I still believe that the fact that Shri Roy was a qualified power engineer before he joined IPS would help him in this enquiry.
Every incident where there is a future ramification, e.g. a major street accident or a house collapse, is always followed by a police enquiry to ascertain the reasons for the mishap and suggest measures to avoid recurrence in future. So, there is nothing wrong in causing an enquiry into the incident to ascertain the reasons behind. The enquiry was undertaken not to initiate any blame game but to enable the organizers of such mega event to undertake remedial action urgently, keeping in mind the coming IPL as well as the overall security scenario.
I am sorry, no, proud, to say that I, as long as holding the chair of Commissioner of Police, will never compromise on the issue of safety and security of the people of Kolkata. I shall strive to ensure that the question of security and amenities to people are given paramount importance before we give our no-objection to any of such matches. And, indeed, I hope that I shall get the support of all concerned including CAB, CESC, PWD and all other government and non-government agencies and last but not least the common man in my endeavour.
Happy 2010 and happy cricket viewing!
Goutam Mohan Chakrabarti
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Sir,
Further to my suggestion of introducing Kolkata Police in social networking sites like the Facebook or the Twitter, I would like to point out the other important benefit that it will yield as well:
Your advice can be spread within a matter of minutes in case of any emergency, to many people in the city and the suburbs as lots of net savvy people nowadays can be found logged in on either of these sites at any point in time and once they are alerted , many more citizens would get to know about what needs to be done or not, thus it will be of great help to the residents of Kolkata and adjoining areas in case of an emergency situation.
I am confident your erudite and creative self along with your extremely competent colleagues from the think tank of Kolkata Police would give it a serious thought.
Regards,
Arya Ghosh
Dear Arya,
Thanks indeed for this innovative suggestion. We have already forwarded your post to the concerned department who will look into the pros and cons and eventually take a decision. Perhaps,this sort of internet and online presence is now becoming the order of the day!
Thank You,
Kolkata Cop
Sir,
While KOLKATACOPS continues to increase the warmth of the cordial relationship between the members of the common people and Kolkata Police, you can also think about introducing Kolkata Police in social networking sites like the Facebook or the Twitter….. I am quite confident it will have a strong fan base who would like to share a tete-a-tete with Kolkata Police there as well !!
Regards,
Arya Ghosh
Dear Arya,
Your suggestions are noted! However, at this stage we want to popularize our various websites like Blog, Cyber-campaign etc by properly addressing the queries/problems posed by the visitors there.
Regards,
Kolkata Cop
ID-HM/2010/41
It is indeed a brilliant idea to give traffic updates through mobiles of Kolkata roads at regular intervals during the day. I have benefited from this immensely.
However, I am going out of Kolkata for quite some time. Therefore, I would request you to kindly stop sending sms for such updates to my mob. no.9830875548. Thanking you.
Sir,
Please advise the staff concerned to check the Kolkata Traffic Police website immediately.
Today, when I tried to visit the same website I received alarm stating the website contains TROJAN MALWARE.
Regards,
Arya Ghosh
Dear Mr Ghosh,
Thanks a lot for pointing out. Necessary action is being taken at the earliest.
Regards,
Kolkata Cop
Sir,
We the residents of Behala have been hearing for long that Behala Police Station would come under the purview of Kolkata Police. I have previously posted multiple queries re. the same, as the inclusion would do a world of good to the residents of Behala in terms of civic policing and superior traffic management, which is an urgent necessity. But, unfortunately, that has not happened as the years passed by.
Today, I would request you to provide a frank reply as to what is the problem that is preventing a long pending task , which would bring about a sea change in the quality of civic policing and traffic management in Behala and adjoining areas, to be accomplished ?
I am sure you are aware of the horrible traffic management condition on the stretch between Taratala Crossing and Behala Chowrasta on Diamond Harbour Road.
I know that the government would take the ultimate decision, but as you have been interacting with the department concerned, can you throw some light as to if at all this will happen , if yes then latest by which date or there is absolutely no reason for us to carry on with our hopes ?
Regards,
Arya Ghosh
Dear Arya,
Sorry! We are unable to reply your specific queries at this stage! You will certainly come to know when things materialize!
Regards,
Kolkata Cop
Dear Sir
The telephone number does not exist and the website is under construction.In that case what do we do next? Please suggest.
Thanking you
Residents
Satyajit Towers
Dear Sri Bhatia
The phone number of KMC Control Room has been changed recently. The new number is 2286-1000 to 2286-1005. So, kindly contact on the new number.
Regards,
Kolkata Cop.
As per newspaper reports, fire brigrade in Kolkata has 5 skylifts / ladders with the max height of 54 meters which is 162ft. In other words, the fire brigrade personnel can reach the 16th floor of any multistoried apartment.
Concerning factor is, what will happen in case of 30+ storied apartments like South City , in case of a fire at the top floor ?
I would request Kolkata Police to take this matter up to the appropriate departments and try to find an earliest solution.
Also, I feel a website of fire brigrade dept should be created at the earliest, which is an absolute must with all the necessary information including the contact details of all fire stations across Kolkata and West Bengal, possibly with mobile numbers of all station heads and other responsible staffs.
Regards,
Arya Ghosh
Visakhapatnam
Dear Mr. Ghosh,
We do appreciate your concern .But the matter does not come under our purview; so we request you to take up the same with the Director General of Fire services at Free school street ,who can give an appropriate reply to your queries.
With regards,
Kolkata Cop
Dear Sir
Could you kindly tell us the name and contact number of the executive engineer of our borough.We would seek his/her assistance.
Thanking you
Residents
Satyajit Towers
Dear Sri Bhatia,
We would suggest you to contact on Phone No. 033-2869-1212 of KMC Control Room or Logon to http://www.kmc.gov.in for necessary information as desired.
Regards,
Kolkata Cop
Dear Sir
We,the residents of Satyajit Towers (a 10 storeyed,17 year old ill-maintained building) are at great risk from fire accidents.
Our biggest cause of worry has been our adamant octagenarian promoter has refused to hand over the long-awaited maintainence rights of the building to us.Neither has he taken an initiative to install efficient fire-fighting equipment nor has he delivered the basic amenities to us.He has been consistently negligent and irresponsible.We are bothered about the following:-
1.No fire fighting cylinders
2.Dead intercoms
3.No fire alarms in the lifts
4.No sprinklers
5.Faulty alarm system
6.Locked terrace
7.Generator not in service
8.Main electricity box situated under the exit staircase.
9.The sub-meters provided by the promoter on each floor are under lock and key
Thus,we are unable to safeguard our interests.We would request you to look into the matter and do the needful.Eagerly awaiting your reply.
Thanking you
Concerned residents
Satyajit Towers
51,Radhanath chowdhury road
Kolkata-700015
Dear Shri Bhatia,
KMC has formed a joint team under the executive engineer of the borough to inspect and take remedial action in case of such buildings.You are advised to contact the executive engineer of your borough in this regard.Thanking you,
Kolkata Cops
Dear Sir,
Most educated citizens don’t watch the Star Anandas and the Aaj Taks of the world. We ignore them and I suggest that you ignore them too.
For Kolkata police to communicate well with its citizens I suggest that the following could be tried out
1. This blog is a great start. Can this blog be written in Bengali too?
2. Can you utilize Twitter to feed live traffic news?
3. Can you publish a map of all Fee Parking Zones all over Kolkata?
4. Can emergency information be provided over FM Radio Channels?
The 2nd point of using Twitter could easily be done, and you could get started in 5 minutes.
Regards
Swapnonil Mukherjee
Dear Mr Mukherjee,
We appreciate your concern. The matter is being referred to the concerned department for some specific views. We will revert to you at the earliest.
Regards,
Kolkata Cop
RESPECTED SIR ,
I LIVE IN AREA CLOSE TO GANESH TALKIES , ON VIVEKANANDA ROAD ,. AS YOU MUST BE KNOWINIG , THAT VIVEKANANDA ROAD FLY OVER IS BEING CONSTRUCTED ON THE ROAD . PLEASE NOTE SIR , THAT THESE PEOPLE CARRY ON THEIR WORK ALL NIGHT . IT IS ALRIGHT TO WORK THROUGH THE DAY TIME UPTO 10 PM AT NIGHT , BUT BEYOND THAT IS NOT UNDERSTANDABLE . THE NOISE THEY MAKE IS UNABLE TO BEAR . THERE ARE MANY ELDERLY PEOPLE STAYING IN OUR HOUSE . ALL WE ARE ASKING IS A PEACEFUL NIGHT SLEEP . AS FAR AS I KNOW SIR , THAT THE SUPREME COURT HAS NOTIFIED THAT ALL CONSTRUCTION WORK SHOULD STOP BETWEEN 10 PM AND 6 AM IN DOMESTIC RESIDENTIAL AREAS . SIR PLEASE IF YOU COULD HELP US OUT ON THIS . WE TOLD THE GIRISH PARK PS BUT SORRY TO STATE THAT THERE WAS NO RESPONSE FROM THEIR SIDE .
Dear Abhiir,
We share your concern. You can lodge a complaint either at the local P.S. or with the PCB. Your complaint is being forwarded to the concerned authority for necessary course of action. We will revert to you soon.
Best Wishes,
Kokata Cop.
RESPECTED SIR,
IT IS QUITE SURPRISING TO SEE ALL MAJOR FIRES ARE OCCURRING IN THIS YEAR-ENDING SESSION.I THINK FIRE DOES NOT FOLLOW ANY CALENDER BUT WE,HUMANS DO.I AM OPENLY SAYING HERE THAT THE REALTORS HAVE A VICIOUS NEXUS WITH THE POLITICIANS(IRRESPECTVE OF COLOUR) AND CALCUTTA MUNICIPAL CORPORATION AS WITHOUT THEIR BACK-UP SUCH HUGE BUILDINGS LIKE STEPHEN COURT,NANDARAM MARKET,STRAND ROAD WARE-HOUSES WITH INADEQUATE ESCAPE ROUTE AND INADEQUATE FIRE-FIGHTING SYSTEM CANNOT EXIST IK KOLKATA.
WHENEVER A FIRE OCCURS,WE THE COMMON PEOPLE HAVE TO SUFFER AND THE FIREMEN AND POLICEMEN HAVE TO RISK THEIR LIVES IN RESCUING TRAPPED PERSONS AND DOUSING THE FLAME.SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE BEEN KILLED IN THE STEPHEN COURT FIRE AND THE DEATH-TOLL IS BOUND TO BE MORE THAN ”24”.
NOW THE POLITICIANS(IRRESPECTIVE OF COLOUR) ARE COMING TO CONSOLE THE PEOPLE AFFECTED BY THE FIRE.WHERE WERE THEY WHEN THE FIREMEN AND POLICE HAD BEEN RESCUING PEOPLE?ALL THE COMMON PEOPLE LIKE ME ARE QUITE FED UP WITH THIS POLITICAL GAME.
IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING TO DO TO SMASH THE NEXUS BETWEEN THE REALTORS AND POLITICAL PARTIES,THEN PLEASE DO THAT.THE BUSINESSMEN,REALTORS WHO ARE DIRECTLY AND INDIRECTLY INVOLVED IN SUCH FIRE MUST BE PUNISHED.PLEASE ARREST THOSE WHO SET THEIR ESTABLISHMENTS ON FIRE FOR INSURANCE BENEFIT AND OTHER BENEFITS.WE KNOW NANDARAM MARKET,STRAND WAREHOUSE WERE DELIBERATELY PUT ON FIRE.PLEASE DO TAKE STRICT ACTION AGAINST THEM.WE ARE WITH KOLKATA POLICE.WE HAVE FAITH IN YOU. THAT IS WHY WE WRITE TO YOU.
THANKING YOU,
DEBASHREE AHIRI
FROM HOWRAH
Dear Debashree,
It is indeed a matter of immense grief that such terrible infernos have been engulfing our city in the recent times. However, it will be wrong for us to say that this has only happened in the recent times. Kolkatans have been blazed by such disastrous catastrophes earlier also. It is the undying spirit of the Kolkatans that have seen them through. However, such disasters need to be mitigated. Whatever you have expressed in the post is quite genuine. We being the law guardians would always look forward to doing our duty and preventing the criminal intentions of opportunity hunters. But for that, we need the co-operation of the public. It is high time that you all come forward and join hands with us to identify and provide witness for such anti-social nexus, so that we can give them the rightful punishment.
Regards,
Kolkata Cop
ID-HM/2010/21
Dear Sir
i would like to draw attention to teenagers playing in the middle of the road – approach to bondel gate flyover from ballygunj phari/ palm avenue( the road used by chief minister himself- just before ashok hall ; from his residence), n by zeeshan restaurant (on sundays).it has become a daily evening (4-5.30 pm)routine and a nightmare for drivers like us. i understand that it is difficult to stop them as they are from a protected community but any accident will end up in cars being burnt and vandalism and the driver heckled like anything.
hope u would give this a thought
regards
rajesh dey
Dear Rajesh,
The point raised by you is valid and we would like to clarify that there are laws which prohibit such traffic obstructions. But a law is strong as long as the common people have respect for it.The citizens of Kolkata need to be aware of their social responsibilities. The parents and guardians of these children must sensitize them regarding perils of such activities, both with respect to their own and others’ safety. However, at the same time,we request the drivers to take precautions while driving.
Regards,
Kolkata Cop
ID-HM/2010/20
Dear Sir,
I am surprised at your oblique comments on pedestrian, when you mention in your website that highest causality in roads are jay walkers and pedestrian sighting the figure from Times of India, whereas we complain more over rush driving.
Who do we think is killed by rash driving? The driver or the pedestrian who is hit by the rushing vehicle? No were in the civilized world we would find, so much disrespect for pedestrian as we have in our cities. I have on several occasions found pedestrian puzzled when I, while driving, gave them the way on a zebra crossing or in small lanes where we can’t have traffic signal. It’s obvious they are not used to this civilized courtesy.
All, I can say and reiterate which you tried to play down with some data from Times of India is that, in our city the cases of rush driving and breaking of traffic rule by all kinds of vehicles, including Government vehicle, is rising day by day and no more can be done to increase the awareness levels. Everyone is aware but has decided to disrespect the law. It’s high time the KTP comes down heavily on these errands and start penalizing with as harsh as punishment as can be given for willful negligence of basic Traffic Rules.
Indrajit Dutta Choudhury
Kolkata -94
Dear Shri Dutta Choudhury,
We should always remember that both drivers and pedestrians have equally vital roles to play, if road accidents are to be reduced. We cannot always put the drivers at fault, especially when the ratio of motorable road to total surface area in the city is an abysmal 6% or so and the number of registered vehicles if growing by leaps and bounds annually.
It is true that pedestrians are more vulnerable on road, as you have rightly mentioned.Therefore,our endeavour is to spread awareness among them through various programs like Road Safety weeks throughout the year.
We value your thoughtful comments.
Regards,
Kolkata Cop
Sir,
I lost my Sony Vaio laptop near City Centre, Salt Lake, Kolkata on Sunday night (between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m.). I alighted from a yellow cab (which is why I didn’t note the number) in front of City Centre and apparently left the notebook inside the carry bag on the rear seat. The cabbie drove off immediately (no fault of his). Is there a way I could trace its whereabouts?
The notebook belonged to my office and therefore contained several important documents. I couldn’t lodge the FIR then and there due to the fact that I had to catch an early morning flight the next day.
What should be my course of action now?
Regards,
Mithun Banerjee
Dear Mithun,
Sorry for your loss! We are to inform you that the place of occurrence from where you have lost your Laptop is Saltlake, which does not fall under the jurisdiction of Kolkata Police. It falls under Bidhan Nagar subdivision of W.B. Police. We would suggest you to lodge a complaint addressed to S.P North 24 Pgs. or Additional SP Bidhannagar. They will be able to help you out.
Regards,
Kolkata Cop
Dear Sir, I want to draw your attention to a problem in the city that is grossly violating the law of the land. According to drug and magic remedies act there are certain substances are banned for being circulated by printing or broadcasting through mass media like newspapers and televisions. if the law exists and …kolkata cops really want to be law keepers… then please answer me how these tantriks and astrology programmes are being beamed in at least half dozen television channels all the day and being printed in same number of newspapers. Do police have any idea that most of these self declared nonsense, say one at Mangoe Lane, are ruining many families. Please mind policing doesnot only mean imposition of IPC or CrPC But also other laws of the land.Earlier during Gyanwant Singh as DCDD1 some initiatives were taken but sadly the files might have been closed after he was shifted from the post.I would like to draw attention of illustrious Mr. Jawed Shamim,DC ( HQ) and CP to this. Let see.OH! by the way my earlier post about the use of long distance public buses from Sahid maidan as goods carriage is still going on.Thanks Maidan PS and all senior officers for keeping their eyes closed. Dear Mr. CP, will start to believe the song …sabse bara rupaiya .
Dear Mr Bhattacharya,
Your complaint is being looked into. The issue is application of ‘ The Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954’ by the police in the situations you have mentioned! The issue relating to traffic has already been taken up with the concerned department. We will revert back to you at the earliest.
Regards,
Kolkata Cop
Sir,
In most of the case what we feel that shortage of Police personnel is the main reason for failure of good policing as well as governance. What is my suggestion is that we may think to start a web based incident recording system where common person may upload the picture and write short description of the incident/ violence of rule. Now a days most of the people are carrying Mobile cameras and they may act as your extended eye to stop the crime or traffic violation. In this way you may overcome the shortage of manpower for the time being. This may also increase the department revenue earning in many fold and also may prevent the law violation.
You may be in the same opinion that most of the time we have noticed more breach of law than you in our space/area.
In my suggestion the only problem is that your department have to act more on the documented/ pictured law violation so that you may earn more at the same time.
With regards.
Dear Mr Biswas,
Shortage of force is indeed one of our main concerns and your view point is quite a food for thought. However, now-a-days we receive a substantial number of complaints either over telephone or by post. We have also an option “Report a Crime” in our official website http://www.kolkatapolice.gov.in. and we get a number of complaints in this also.But you may appreciate that the main issue is the time and quality of our ‘response’, which is sometimes affected by dearth of force and other accessories.
Regards,
Kolkata Cop
Sir,
If I can recollect correctly, on 11th February, 2009 in a programme hosted by one of the television channels you had informed all of us the wonderful and great news of incorporating 18-19 police stations of WBP, situated in and around Kolkata, under Kolkata Police, which also included Behala.
If I remember correctly, you had informed that Behala P.S. would be bifurcated into BEHALA AND SARSUNA P.S. The time span mentioned for implemention of the same was 1 year.
Since then, a year has passed by and there have been occasional reports related to the same have appeared in print media too, including the report that Kolkata Police has submitted a proposal related to the same to the state government. It was also reported in the print media quoting state home dept sources that a nod re. this was only a matter of time as it is a priority of the state government to offer better policing for the fringes.
But , nothing has been done so far, I would not know the reason behind this but with your kind permission may I ask you if you have received the feedback related to the proposal from the state government and if yes what is the time that has been alloted to complete the project as your erudite self would realize this is an urgent matter.
Please can we see Kolkata Police in Behala and other places before Durga Puja 2010 ?
Best Regards,
Arya Ghosh
Visakhapatnam
Dear Arya,
The matter is now pending. You will come to know if any decision is taken.
Regards,
Kolkata Cop
Dear Sir,
Your below para was uncalled for, I think you completely misread my comments which was certainly not sarcastic but word of appreciation for content writer.
“You seem to be at your sarcastic best by saying that we are good at manifesting intellectual aggression in writing than showing aggression in action, perhaps. You may be unaware of our wide array of activities we undertake daily. Manifesting aggression does not always make sense. But, of course, sometimes showing aggression in action is part of our job profile and we try to do that to perfection.”
Best Regards,
Sukant Bhattacharya
Dear Sukant,
Thanks! Please keep on blogging!
Kolkatacops
dear sir, I could not post for few days. I would like to draw the attention of the commissioner of police and deputy commissioner of notehern and ESD to a potential problem where sufferers cannot come forward to complain. Along the Ultadanga Road leading from Bidhannagar Road to Khanna crossing, the entire footpath has became an abbatoir. Over dozen of person are openly cutting hens, throwing around their feathers. Just imagine if you have to take along a little child along you in thsi road what they will see. Few people are cutting hens on open road and skinning them. I read in newspaper that there is high court directive even to stop this. If Kolkata police cannot see such violation of law in broad day light how can we expect that they will able to track the extremists who are hiding. Please dont shed tears that these are unemployed person. Thieves and heroine sellers too are same. I hope city cops is surely not waiting so that a tortured hen will come forward and lodge a complaint about it’s illegal death.Cops mind this, as you are failing to impose law of land the weightage of law is reducing each day. It is for this a miscreant can dare to slaop a cop on duty and a OC is hardly cared .I had posted about illegal loading at Sahid Minar , nothing chaged. So will be this. Still…… shiksha ane chetana ar chetana ane pratibadh….happy law violation.
Dear Mr. Bhattacharjee,
We equally share your concern and will take up the matter with the concerned authority at the earliest.
Regards
Kolkatacop
Dear Kolkata Cop,
I happened to read your comment on the republic day ‘anamoly’ of a malfunctioning motorcycle and believe it to be a rather lame excuse for non-performance at a critical juncture. Can the 26th Jan republic day parade afford to have such embarrasing malfunctions? What does it say about the image of the police force?
You are right in pointing out that there is a vast force painstakingly doing its job and a single mechanical malfunction is not correct to sit in judgement but please be reminded that as a police organisation your fail safe performance in critical
situations is hygiene requirement.No kudos for doing your job well.You are afterall a public servant supposedly well skilled and speciliased in it. The real image builder for you would have been had the police sergeant done his drill and then gone off to do an act beyond the regular call of duty.
Moreso, putting such excuses under the garb of enquiries reeks of lack of ownership. Please stand up and be counted for your ‘true’ worth. Enhancing image/worth is really painstaking and in case ot crumbles due to events such as above, you need to make a fresh start.
cheers…Sudipt
Dear Sudipt,
Thanks for your reminder. Let’s be clear that we never lacked the enthusiasm for owning up responsibility. We clearly stated that the motor-cycle did malfunction and it stopped during the parade much to our embarrassment. We left no stone unturned to prepare ourselves for an occasion like Republic Day parade. There was almost a month’s practice before we came on to the stage. All the vehicles including the motor-cycles chosen for the parade underwent thorough mechanical tests more than twice. But despite our best efforts things some times go out of our hand.
Let’s be clear once more that this is not an excuse, it pained and embarrassed us more than anybody. We do not sit on the laurels of our past achievements. Everyday is a new day for us and everyday is a struggle for keeping the city and its people safe.
Warm regards,
Kolkata Cop
Dear Sir,
Today I got a wonderful leaflet from KP named “Are you secure – TIPS FOR SAFE LIVING FOR KOLKATANS – LET’S KEEP CRIME DOWN”. I stay at Beleghata CIT Buildings. All the KP officers relly do their job honestly and perfectly there, even at mid-night too. I am very thankful to them.
I wanna mention one thing regarding the above mentioned leaflet is:
In the page1, it’s written as, “I leave the lights or if possible the television on, in the evening when I am out for a short period, so that it looks like I am in.”
Now from the point of view of energy savings, it contradicts.
Thanks and Regards,
Debayan Raha
Dear Debayan,
What you are saying is right from the energy saving point of view, but the leaflet is about your security! Anyway, there are many energy saving lamps available these days in the market. perhaps, you can think of using them to reduce your energy bill!
Warm Regards,
Kolkata Cop
Dear Sir,
This is in reference to the Article Republic Day Parade on Red Road, 2010 on the Blog.
The below comment from your side speaks everything in a nutshell:
“Technical faults happen at every field. Even the television news channels are no exception. We often are witnesses of ludicrous incidents on the television screens because of technical faults. How many times one has witnessed the anchor asking a question repeatedly to his field reporter but the field reporter gives a vacant look, only to be told later that the ‘satellite link’ has broken! But such things never make us jump to the conclusion that the news channel is inefficient. We accept it as a part of life. Then, why not in the case of police?”
The content writer is certainly astute and it is good to see such professionals in Police Department. It is always good and advisable to manifest the aggression (intellectual) in writing then in any other form.
Best Regards,
Sukant Bhattacharya
Dear Sukant,
This is to inform you that we are not manifesting aggression of any kind. We have only stated the fact. It is always easy to criticize police. We don’t mind, if the criticism is just. But a technical snag of a motor-cycle just cannot be equated with the ability of a force, which has been the custodian of the city for more than 150 years.
You seem to be at your sarcastic best by saying that we are good at manifesting intellectual aggression in writing than showing aggression in action, perhaps. You may be unaware of our wide array of activities we undertake daily. Manifesting aggression does not always make sense. But, of course, sometimes showing aggression in action is part of our job profile and we try to do that to perfection.
But thanks for your nice and cheerful comment.
Kolkata Cop
RESPECTED SIR,
I WANT TO DRAW YOUR ATTENTION TO THE FACT THAT THE BUSES(EXCEPT CTC AND CSTC BUSES)HARDLY FOLLOW ANY TRAFFIC RULES.THEY STOP HERE AND THERE TO PICK UP PASSENGERS,THEY FEIGN TO KNOW EXACTLY WHERE THE BUSSTOP IS AND MOST DANGEROUSLY ,THEY DO THE ENTIRE PROCESS OF PICKING UP AND DROPPING PASSENGERS WHILE ON THE RUNNING.THIS IS A MATTER OF SEVERE PROBLEM TO THE AGED PERSONS AND THIS WAY,ACCIDENTS MAY OCCUR ANYTIME.THESE DAYS A JOURNEY BY BUS SEEMS A NIGHTMARE.THEY CREATE JAM WILLINGLY,STOP HERE AND THERE AND KEEP THE ENGINE ON EVEN WHILE IN RED SIGNAL.THE BUSES TRY TO BE OBEDIENT ONLY WHEN THEY SEE A TRAFFIC SERGEANT AHEAD.SO,I REQUEST YOU TO DEPLOY SERGEANTS ALMOST IN ALL TRAFFIC SIGNALS—AS I DON’T FIND THEM EVERYWHERE– AND ASK THEM TO BE VERY STRICT.THIS WAY,OUR BUS-JOURNEY CAN BE LESS NIGHTMARISH.
THANKING YOU,
YOURS TRULY,
DEBASHREE AHIRI
Dear Ms Ahiri,
Thanks for pointing out something what citizens face everyday! It is just not possible to man every road crossing with traffic sergeants due to their shortage! But your concern is being forwarded to DC Traffic. If you have any particular road intersection and errant bus number in mind please share with us!
Regards
Kolkata Cop
Dear Sir,
I urge to comissioner to take some step about the white franchie buses of surface dept the passenger seat of this buses are very short two people can’t seat at a time & the leg space of this buses are very small. Not only that they remove some seat from front side for standing more passenger.This buses are very bad for journey. Some privte Buses are change their seat style .We comon people daily use this buses with an unhappy journey.
Dear Bapi,
We understand your problem and sympathize with the situation. However, we suggest that you may please write to the Chairman & MD of the West Bengal Surface Transport Corporation. He may be able to help you in this regard.
Regards,
Kolkata Cop
Dear Sir,
Reading your response above on blue tooth sets, the financial contraint can be understood. But I believe you can also create a separate “account” for innovative work and I am sure public would come forward to donate money/ material for the good cause.
At the end of the day, new gadgets/ weapons are used for the safety and security of common public only.
It is not only blue tooth but several other good work that police can initiate with “Police Public Partnership” from the above suggested fund/ account.
There are even people out side bengal (bengal loving brothers) who can donate high end and high cost softwares without any cost to equip Kolkata police with best of the breed components. What requires is an honest and enthusiastic initiative to make it a reality. I hope you would give it a thought.
Best Regards,
Sukant Bhattacharya
Dear Sukant,
Thanks a ton for showing such concern for Kolkata Police! We are trying our best to introduce innovative ideas in policing in order to face challenges of the 21st century . However, ‘police-public partnership’ in financing police modernization, as you have suggested, is not yet a very well entrenched concept in our society.As a government department, we have some restrictions in accepting private donations. But still your suggestion shows that you are really keen to see a modern and well equipped police force. Thank you again!
Regards,
Kolkata Cop
Sir,
This is re. the Republic Day Parade report, which I have observed here in Vizag. All I can say is that it is not fair to judge the efficiency level of an organization with 24000 strong human resources by an unforeseen single mechanical fault of a motorcycle.
The human face of the same organization can rather be viewed by clicking on the following URL : http://www.anandabazar.com/6cal5.htm, where a staff of the city police traffic department can be seen helping the driver of a car carrying an ailing patient to make his way through the traffic jam.
While being critical towards the media for some negative reporting which are uncalled for, I must take this opportunity to also congratulate the newspaper concerned for bringing the same to limelight.
Best Regards,
Arya Ghosh
Visakhapatnam
Dear Arya,
We are completely in agreement with your comment and thank you for seeing our point of view. Keep on posting!
Regards,
Kolkata Cop
Sir,
Being a ham radio operator, I would like to convey a suggestion regarding the usage of walkie talkies by the sergeants and other police personnel.
You can think about introducing hands free bluetooth headsets and/or speaker microphones which are quite lite to hold and could be clipped near the shoulder straps, as I have quite often observed that traffic sergeants communicating through the handheld radios holding the same and riding the motorbyke simultaneously.
This has a potential risk factor of meeting with an accident and also holding the radios for long time can be strenuous as well.
I am sure your learned and creative self would give it a thought.
With Best Regards,
Arya Ghosh
Visakhapatnam
Dear Arya,
Your suggestions are welcome! But ,obviously, giving such blue tooth sets to all traffic and other sergeants will need a lot of money. Maybe sometimes in not so distant future you will see this in Kolkata also! Till then!
Thanks,
Kolkata Cop