New Delhi: 'Reclaiming Public Spaces' drive of Delhi Police has surprised more than 300 people who were booked under different sections of Indian Penal Code for their illegal activities in public spaces.
Police claimed that more than 400 cases have been registered. According to police, around 179 cases were reported under Section 283 (Danger or obstruction in public way or line of navigation) of IPC from 13 police stations in North Delhi.
The highest number of cases were from Roop Nagar area (46 cases), Lahori Gate (35 cases) and Kotwali (33 cases). Most of the cases were of the encroachment of public spaces like the road which caused several problems for the inhabitants. In this regard, police have booked around 150 people. Under Section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) around 149 cases were further reported and more than 150 people were booked.
Reclamation of public spaces has been aimed at improvement of the built environment solely for public usage.
Recently, it was found that families started avoiding public spaces due to the presence of anti-social elements fostered by illegal activities like gambling and drinking liquor.
Around 50 cases were registered under the Gambling Act and more than 10 cases were reported from Subzi Mandi police station. Nine cases were reported from Civil Lines area. Police booked several people under the section whosoever is found gambling in public spaces.
Under Section 40 (A) of Delhi Excise Act, more than 200 cases were reported in 13 police stations. The highest number of cases were reported from Subzi Mandi (66 cases), Sarai Rohilla (65 cases) and Burari (19 cases). Over 200 people were booked under 40 Excise Act and 242 Kalandra was issued.
To keep North Delhi safe, park patrolling was done to sanitize public spaces from anti-social elements. "Night patrolling is going on in the district to make sure the residents feel safe," said a senior police officer.