To strengthen info network, IG Ambala directs special units to rope in ‘police mitras’

To strengthen the on-ground information network, the IG (Ambala Range) has instructed CIA units, anti-narcotics cells, and security agents to rope in ‘police mitras’ in Ambala, Kurukshetra and Yamunanagar districts.

As per information, a few days back, IG Pankaj Nain had issued directions to the SHOs of Ambala, Kurukshetra and Yamunanagar districts to have at least 100 police mitras in their respective jurisdictions. Now, the specialised units have been instructed to have at least 100 police mitras.

The Ambala Range has 3,088 police mitras. The Ambala police have 1,301; Kurukshetra police 1,174; and Yamunanagar police 613. Recently, they helped in solving three cases, including an arms act case.

Speaking to ‘The Tribune’, Nain said, “Timely sharing of information in the police department is very important. To increase the flow of information, and that too from the common people who are dealing with the things at the ground level, instructions were issued to the staff to rope in at least 100 police mitras each. It is an attempt to revive the old traditional information gathering system and to have on-field information, rather than depending on a bunch of people. They can be autorickshaw drivers, roadside vendors, shopkeepers, etc., who otherwise have no link with the police department.”

“They can act as the eyes and ears for the police, observe activities in their surroundings, and alert the police in case of any suspicious activity to prevent crime. Directions have also been issued to ensure that the identities of these people are protected and their information is not shared even among them. The exercise was started about 10 days ago, we have received a good response and they have also helped in cracking three cases. It is a dynamic system and we will keep evaluating them, rope in new people as well and they will also be rewarded suitably for giving credible and important information,” he added.

Meanwhile, the police department is also focusing on increasing the number of CCTV cameras. Under the Ambala Range, 82 new CCTV cameras have been installed, of which 32 each were installed in Ambala and Kurukshetra, while 18 were installed in Yamunanagar.

Nain said, “CCTV cameras play a crucial role in crime detection, hence directions were issued to increase their number, especially on all possible escape routes, at important locations and in busy markets. Recently, the cameras helped in cracking the murder case of an elderly woman and a minor’s rape case. Local residents are also being motivated to install CCTV cameras.”

Haryana Tribune