Meditate medicine

Bhubaneswar, Aug. 31: The men in khaki posted in various police stations of the twin cities will shortly be trained in yoga and meditation techniques to cool their nerves.

Addressing his first ever news conference after assuming charge, Cuttack-Bhubaneswar police commissioner Rajendra Prasad Sharma said: “We are in touch with various agencies to train our personnel. Besides yoga and mediation, we will also organise a behavioural training programme. This will help make the police more people-friendly.”

Sharma said: “One will realise the stress level of the police personnel if he spends a day at a police station. But, I have asked officials to behave properly with whoever comes to the police station to lodge an FIR. We have decided to register all cases.”

Sharma further said that efforts would be initiated to check crimes against senior citizens and women.

Former director general of police Gopal Nanda said: “The officials have been told to behave properly. Sometimes they don’t do it. However, reminding them of their responsibilities is a welcome step.”

The new commissioner has also set out his guidelines on how to check crime rate in the twin cities.

“We will use the National Security Act in selective cases. There will be zero tolerance to crimes. We will try to infuse a sense of security,” he said.

According to government statistics, the state capital registered 46 murder cases in 2012, which marked a significant increase from 2009, when this number was just 30.

Incidents of rape have also registered an increase, going up from 32 in 2009 to 56 in 2012.

Stating that preventive laws would be enforced against habitual offenders and gangsters, the commissioner said: “Steps would be taken to check the flow of illegal arms to the twin cities. Special squads and quick action teams will be functioning under the commissioner to check organised crime.”

Sharma also hinted that all non-bailable warrants would be executed.

“Awareness drive will be conducted to stop drinking at public places. Drinking at public places is one of the main reasons for the rise in crime,” he said.

The top cop also said that closed-circuit television cameras would be installed to keep a tab on movement of people at strategic points in the city.

“The state government has already allocated Rs 3 crore in this regard in the first phase. The CCTVs will be installed soon at strategic locations of the state,” said the new police commissioner.

The police have also decided to train their personnel to prevent cyber crimes and economic offences.