Under the guidance of DGP- Maharashtra, police is working on a two-pronged strategy of improving intelligence gathering about terror groups and connecting better with citizens. The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) is also being equipped with modern gadgets and a strategy is being firmed up to effectively counter threats from outfits like ISIS, said Satish Mathur, DGP.
As a first step, police personnel will visit each and every household in their jurisdiction to connect with people to get real-time intelligence inputs from society about anti-social and terror activities. Also, ATS will be equipped with modern gadgets to counter any emergency situation.
On his maiden visit to Nagpur as DGP, he announced that a strategy was being readied to counter the threat of ISIS and will be implemented soon.
In an effort to improve policing and re-establish their connect with people, the DGP said, “police personnel will inquire from citizens about their grievances and leave his/her phone number with them. This baby step will have a huge positive impact on the society and improve the image of police. It will also strengthen intelligence gathering network.”
On tackling Naxal threat, the 1981-batch IPS officer is of the opinion that police have gained upper hand in their fight against Maoists, who are active in a few districts of Vidarbha. Covert and overt operations will be launched to further weaken them.
“Two types of operations would be launched against Naxals—secret and open. Armed Out-Posts (AOPs) are being increased in Gadchiroli district to enlarge police presence there.
“Also, financial aid is being provided to the families of policemen martyred during Naxal operations,” said Mathur.
New safety equipment are being procured to protect policemen operating in the Naxal-hit areas, said the DGP, who will have a 22-month tenure.
Mathur said his other priorities include increasing transparency in policing, improving service delivery and providing better working condition to police staff.
“Transparency would be increased in the department. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will soon address the top police brass,” said Mathur.
Nitesh Poojari
