Gurugram police helpline useless in times of major crime

Gurugram: The spurt in daring crimes in Gurugram has not only highlighted the vulnerabilities of the citizens but also the limitation of law enforcement systems in a city that has been hailed as icon city of Haryana.

One of the major criticisms that have emerged in the law and order system of Gurugram is how the police helpline number of 100 is proving to be useless in times of major crimes.

The concern over the defects in the police helpline number has been raised for a long time. Its urgency, however, gained prominence after the recent incidents of crime that involved stalking of woman professional and a woman being forced into an SUV and driven to a distance of six kilometres. In both cases, the complainants highlighted that how they were not able to get through the police when they dialled the helpline number.

Not only is the city grappling with rising number of crimes against women but there have also been increase in brazen incidents of carjacking where vehicle is stolen by intimidating the driver with a weapon.

Phone lines being continuously engaged, lack of understanding by the police personnel who attends the call and slow response by the officials to respond to emergencies are some major complaints.

While the police also have alternate number of 0124-2221601 and women police helpline number of 1091, lack of awareness of the citizens of these numbers results in these number not being used in greater numbers.

Taking into cognisance of the large number of people that are using the police helpline number, Sandeep Khirwar, Gurugram Police Commissioner has instructed his team to enhance the infrastructure. Yet, even after the instructions of the top cop, there have been no improvement that was reflected in the recent incidents.

"There have been complaints of the complainants not getting through the police helpline number and we have taken cognisance of this issue. We are working on part to improve the infrastructure. We are also considering in utilising more manpower as per different shifts so that more calls can be attended," said a senior police official from Gurugram police.