In a significant move towards tech-enabled and citizen-centric policing, the Varanasi police range has rolled out an innovative WhatsApp-based system for reporting crimes. This initiative, named 'Police Satark Mitra', has been conceptualised and brought to life by Deputy Inspector General of Police, Varanasi range, Vaibhav Krishna.
How Police Satark Mitra Empowers Citizens
The core mission of this digital tool is to empower residents by allowing them to report illegal activities without any fear of exposure or identity disclosure. A major hurdle in policing has often been the reluctance of citizens to come forward due to safety concerns. This system directly addresses that challenge by guaranteeing complete anonymity. The bot is now operational across all three districts under the Varanasi range: Jaunpur, Ghazipur, and Chandauli.
To use the service, a citizen simply needs to send a message, even a single word like "Hi", to the WhatsApp number 7839860411 or scan a provided QR code. The bot then automatically guides the user through the process in their chosen language. It uses category-based prompts to collect detailed information related to organised crime and social offences, which notably includes issues like cow smuggling and slaughter.
A Secure and Multimedia-Friendly Platform
The platform is designed as a simple yet highly secure digital interface. At no stage are the informant's mobile number or personal details visible to the police officers handling the case. This assurance is fundamental to building public trust. The system is versatile and accepts various forms of evidence, including:
- Text messages
- Audio recordings
- Photographs
- Video clips
This makes it particularly useful for sharing crucial visual evidence like CCTV footage related to a crime scene. All information submitted through the bot is routed directly to the offices of the respective District Superintendents of Police and the DIG, Varanasi range, ensuring it reaches the highest authorities promptly.
Data-Driven Policing and Accountability
Beyond just collecting tips, DIG Vaibhav Krishna has also instituted a robust backend mechanism for accountability and analysis. A dedicated dashboard at both the district and range levels allows police officers to:
- Analyse emerging crime hotspots.
- Compare data police station-wise.
- Conduct weekly, fortnightly, and monthly trend analyses.
- Classify inputs based on sensitivity using the multimedia evidence provided.
Once action is taken on a received tip, officers are required to upload feedback into the system. This then triggers an automated response to the informant, closing the loop and demonstrating that their input has been acted upon.
Senior officials have hailed this initiative as a reflection of a modern, citizen-first approach to policing, seamlessly blending technology with the core principles of anonymity and accountability. The police have urged residents of Jaunpur, Ghazipur, and Chandauli to actively partner with them by using the Police Satark Mitra WhatsApp Bot (7839860411) to help eliminate illegal activities from the region.
