The new Commissioner of Police of the twin cities, Satyajit Mohanty, a 1988-batch IPS officer, who recently replaced YB Khurania, has said his aim is to strengthen community policing and traffic system.
He spoke to Gyan Ranjan Mohapatra of Orissa POST on a range of issues.
Traffic is a big problem in the Commissionerate, how are you going to tackle the situation?
Bhubaneswar is not experiencing traffic snarls or hold-ups as in other metros. Roads are wider in Bhubaneswar and vehicular population is still manageable. However, Bhubaneswar needs a lot of infrastructure development. Many of our crossings are without signals and it is not possible to deploy enough traffic police personnel keeping in view the shortage of manpower. In the current urban set up, everyone is using efficient signaling system so that the violators can be caught. We should adopt more automation like automatic number plate reading system at traffic points. AG square is the only place where the system is working. Every median should have a signaling system.
Speeding and reckless driving is a much bigger problem than vehicular movement as the volume is not so high. The roads are quite wide and generally in good condition so they tend to drive very fast. Besides, lack of traffic awareness is also a major problem in the city as most of us particularly don’t adhere to lane driving.
Recently, the Transport department has identified around 10 black spots in the city. What steps will be taken in this regard?
Black spots concept has been very useful. We take statistics about frequent accidents before we analyse the causes behind the accidents. So the Commissionerate Police is identifying black spots and taking steps like changing the alignment of the road or making more engineering corrections for safer driving.
Interface between police and public has become infrequent. What do you propose to do?
Commissionerate Police took a lot of steps earlier in this regard, particularly a lot of engagements and interactive meetings were held with senior citizens. I have not yet reviewed those programmes, but if there is any for the benefit of the people or in the larger interest of the society, we will definitely continue those. Moreover, we will also introduce some new programmes to engage the students and get their support.
Investigations are pending in many high profile cases including the mysterious death of owner of Pal Heights and some of his family members. Your comments?
As I have taken charge only a few days ago, I have yet to review such cases. However, it is true that a few sensational cases must be solved soon for the larger public good. It does not solely depend on police negligence always but sometimes it is because of delay in getting any lead or breakthrough like in the Patnagarh parcel bomb blast case.
Poor conviction rate is a big problem in the Commissionerate as well as in the state…
In 90 per cent of the cases, the witnesses turn hostile resulting in acquittal of culprits. However, we are now stressing more on the documentary and material evidence which cannot be manipulated. We in Commissionerate Police would follow up the case even after the filing of charge sheet till the accused gets punishment.
At many police stations Mahila Sishu Desks are lying defunct or are being used for other purposes? How are you going to make them relevant again?
We will definitely make an effort to revive the scheme or if found defunct we would ensure the desks function properly. We would also take steps for proper functioning of reception counters at the police stations.
Why are police failing to check the illegal drug trade despite continuous seizure of drugs at different places in the city?
We will continue our effort to curtail the supply side of the drug menace. At the same time, we will collaborate with non-government organisations to create awareness among drug users in order to rein in the rising demand.
What about the security arrangements during the upcoming Hockey World Cup in November?
We have vast experience in maintaining law and order during big events like the annual Rath Yatra celebrations. We also have rich experience of organising big events like the Nabakalebara celebrations in which around 60 lakh people thronged Puri in just 12 days. So, we will ensure players, visitors and tourists who will congregate in the city for the world cup event will leave with happy memories.
