Pune: In an effort to maintain law and order in Pune, especially regarding crimes against women, Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar has urged citizens to remain vigilant and act as the "eyes and ears" of the police.
With a population exceeding seven million and over 1.1 million students in the city, only 9,500 police officers are on duty to ensure everyone's safety. The Commissioner emphasized that while the police are committed to their responsibilities, they need public cooperation to prevent incidents like rape, murder, robbery, and riots.
Speaking at the 'School Safety Council' organized by Pune Police, Commissioner Kumar addressed the need for heightened awareness and safety measures in schools. He advised school administrations to install high-tech CCTV cameras, ensure regular background checks for staff, and report any suspicious activities to the police.
The event was attended by principals, teachers, and non-teaching staff from various city schools. The Commissioner stated that if you observe any suspicious activity, anti-social elements, or any incidents around you, contact the police immediately. "We assure you that there is no 'Ravan Raj' here, and not a single hair on your head will be harmed," he added.
In the wake of the recent incident in Badlapur, where a four-year-old girl was assaulted in a school, the Pune Police have also gone into action mode.
The Police Commissioner provided significant guidance to school administrations on various issues, alongside raising awareness in schools. He emphasized that just as education is important, so is the safety of students at school and on their way home. He warned that there would be no compromise on the safety measures issued by the government from time to time.
The Police Commissioner advised schools to install high-tech CCTV cameras to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and non-teaching staff within and around school premises. The footage should be stored for at least 15 days, and the cameras should be regularly checked. Any suspicious activities caught on camera must be reported to the appropriate authorities.
Regarding the hiring of non-teaching staff, the Police Commissioner stressed the importance of thorough background checks, especially for contractual or externally sourced employees. Schools must obtain a character verification report from local police before hiring. Applications for online character verification can also be submitted to the Pune Police.
The Commissioner also addressed the issue of tobacco and gutkha shops operating within 100 yards of school premises. Schools should ensure that no such shops exist within this distance.
If vendors do not comply after being informed by the school, the police will intervene and take strict action, with assistance from the Municipal Corporation.
