NEW DELHI: Almost four months after riots broke out in Jahangirpuri, Delhi Police has opened an integrated booth at the intersection of Kushal Cinema and CD Park Road to keep a watch in the area round the clock.
After the riots, police said several calls were received about stone-pelting and even quarrels among various groups. Since the area has a mixed population, every small incident was initially thought to be communal. The booth was inaugurated on July 4 by LG VK Saxena during the first commissionerate parade along with 75 others across Delhi to help police maintain law and order 24x7.
Post the violent clashes on April 16, around 17 minor incidents of groups quarrelling and damaging vehicles and property were reported from the area.
“Whenever any call is received, there is a worry that the incident might have a communal tone to it. But in the stone pelting reported later, members of the same community were involved. In most incidents, juveniles were involved. Locals, on the other hand, have been proactively informing police,” said a senior officer.
The booth also works as a counselling centre for youths engaging in unlawful activities. It also allows traffic staff, patrolling officers and those stationed there to understand the issues and problems of the area. A public address system has been set up to disperse crowds and anti-riot gear placed to thwart any untoward incident. Female staffers are being deployed to understand the domestic issues of women.
“Police can keep an eye on all activities through this booth. Surveillance on criminals can be kept and a sharp vigil on anti-social or criminal activities can also be maintained. Efforts to redress the grievances of residents and steps to boost communal harmony can also be reinforced through this booth, which has become the focal point of visible, alert and proactive policing in the area,” added the officer.
