The Delhi Police, in an attempt to eradicate corruption from within their ranks, has found a rather unique way of going about it – Whatsapp!
Almost everyone in the city owns a smart phone, which gives them access to the Facebook-owned instant messenger. Hence, the Delhi Police have launched a new number, where people can not only call for assistance, but also message, or send photos, videos and sound recordings.
This step has been taken, mainly to curb the ground-level corruption within the system. People can now send pictures, videos and sound recordings of policemen harassing them, or asking them for bribes.
"The new helpline was launched on August 6 and the response so far has been encouraging. People can do a sort of sting operation and sent the audio or video clip on this number via WhatsApp," said Sindhu Pillai, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Vigilance), to India Today.
"Once we get an audio or video clip, it will be checked at the Forensic Science Laboratory for its genuineness and once the authenticity is established, action will be taken against the errant policeman. So far we have got one genuine complaint and action is being taken in this regard," the DCP added.
This whole idea was the brainchild of BS Bassi, Delhi Police Commissioner. Bassi wants the Delhi Police to be completely rid of corruption.
Officers of the law, who would be found guilty of corruption, by this method, would be suspended and booked under Section 7 (public servant taking gratification other than legal remuneration in respect of an official act) and Section 13 (criminal misconduct by a public servant) of the Prevention of Corruption Act. They may also be booked under other respective sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
After an audio or a video clip of an officer asking for bribe, is sent to the Whatsapp number, the complaint is automatically registered. The authorities then call up the person who has filed the complaint, and ask for more details, in order to build a proper case against the offending officer.
The audio or video clip is sent to a forensics lab to be ascertained whether it is genuine or not. If the complaint is found to be genuine, the officer in question would be suspended with immediate effect, followed by arrest.
The Whatsapp helpline number is 9910641064. People could also mail their audio and video clips to 'jtcp-vigilance-dl@nic.in'. In addition to these, Delhi Police's hipline numbers (1800111064 and 1064) would also be available round the clock, if anyone needs assistance.
