It is a move to foster stronger ties with citizens. So far, senior officers keep meeting with citizens mostly to alert or sensitize them on different issues and security concerns. From March 17, 2012, the Commissioner of Police R K Pachnanda decided to have closer and frequent interaction with citizens where people can discuss any of their security, crime, law and order and crime concerns with the officers so that they can be resolved immediately.

On March 17, the first citizens meet was held at Alipore, one of the city’s wealthiest localities. Alipore is apparently among the most peaceful areas. Yet, some of the crimes most foul have taken place here. A few years ago, the wife of an industrialist was killed by her domestic help who had been recruited only two days before the crime. During the investigation, police had a tough time identifying the domestic help as the family did not make any verification before engaging the youth.

Crime committed by domestic help is one of our major concerns. “Our records show even hard-core criminals are accessing wealthy households in the guise of domestic helps. Unless the citizens are aware of this problem, such crimes cannot be prevented,” said a senior detective department officer of Kolkata Police.

 “It is still a huge problem,” said Bhikham Chand Pugalia, a businessman and president of Satyam Tower Welfare Association president. “We find it difficult to get our domestic helps registered at police stations. The domestic helps are scared and refuse to get clicked for registration in police records. If we insist, they simply leave. So, most of us have compromise on that,” he explained. Narendra Tulsian, secretary of Alipore Citizens’ Forum, came up with a solution: “Let’s take the photograph of our domestic help on some other pretext.

Deputy Commissioner (South) D P Singh lauded the change in the attitude and approach of citizens compared to when he had met them first. “They are now much more aware of their security loopholes. A closer encounter like this gives them a lot of confidence. I was very impressed with their plan of setting up a surveillance network by which almost every corner of Alipore can be put under watch.” 

Shubra Agarwal, a businesswoman, explained how she finds it difficult to drive her car up to her house on Judges Court Road every evening. “From 5 pm to 9 pm, the road is suddenly made both-ways. For the rest of the day, it is one-way. I have to keep waiting and waiting for free passage to drive into my own house. I really do not know the logic behind making Judges Court Road both-ways after 5 pm,” she complained. 

Several elderly citizens pointed out new encroachments on the pavements. “We take a stroll every morning and that is crucial for our health at this age. But of late, we have found pavements increasingly being occupied by hawkers, garbage dumps, old furniture and extension of shops,” said Aravind Jhunjunwala, a resident. 

Alipore police station officers meticulously took note of every complaint. DC South instructed his officers to see to it that each complaint is dealt with promptness and sincerity. DC South asked every citizen to come up to the police with any complaint they have. “We are there for you 24X7. If you notice anything suspicious, share it with us. Your lead might give us a big breakthrough in a complicated crime or thwart an imminent subversive activity,” he said.