Hazaribag: Acting on the directives of Hazaribag Superintendent of Police (SP) Aman Kumar, the police have ramped up surveillance across major commercial establishments, including banks, petrol pumps, and jewellery shops, as part of a district-wide security audit. This initiative follows the April 24 heist at a public sector bank branch in Barhi, where criminals made off with gold valued at approximately Rs 2 crore and Rs 4 lakh in cash.
Strategic Surveillance Drive
Sources indicate that to curb such criminal activities, the police have devised a comprehensive surveillance campaign involving Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), inspectors, and Sub-Inspectors (SIs). All designated police teams are required to visit banks, jewellery shops, and petrol pumps, and sign registers maintained at these establishments to confirm their presence during patrolling duties.
SP Kumar stated, "The campaign, spearheaded by all DSPs and inspectors, is being implemented through officers in charge of various police stations across the district and will be conducted on a regular basis."
Coverage and Monitoring
Under this drive, the police have identified 140 banks for intensive monitoring. Surveillance teams are also keeping a daily watch on 102 petrol pumps, while 146 jewellery shops have been placed under special vigilance. In total, 388 establishments have been brought under the purview of this initiative so far. Kumar added, "Registers have been opened at all identified locations, where patrolling officers have been instructed to mark their daily presence. The entries will be reviewed by the district control room to ensure accountability and regular checks. This initiative aims to prevent crime and enhance security preparedness at vulnerable points across the district."
Ongoing Investigation
The criminals involved in the daylight bank heist in Barhi remain at large. However, police have assured that they are actively working on the case and expect to solve it soon. An officer stated, "Police have been conducting continuous searches in nearby areas as well as along the border with Bihar. Several teams are engaged in searching for suspects at different locations."
This security audit underscores the police department's commitment to strengthening surveillance and preventing future incidents, ensuring the safety of citizens and their assets.
