Mumbai:
Kurla's Nehru Nagar, which had shot to ill-fame following three cases of minors being raped and murdered, has set an example of new-age policing and crime-control. Two of the three cases remained unsolved, with DNA tests proving that the same person was behind both crimes. After the third case, the police in June decided to install close-circuit television cameras (CCTVs) in various areas falling under their jurisdiction. This move helped them score major victories in controlling crime against women.
Cases of molestation and eve-teasing, which were rampant till June under the jurisdiction of the Nehru Nagar police station, fell by 70-80%. Cases of assault, pick pocketing, housebreaking, and thefts fell by 40-50%.
Initially, a few cameras were installed in areas where it was difficult for police to keep a watch. As the trial was successful, the police roped in a private agency for the installation and maintenance of CCTV cameras. Thirty-five such cameras were installed at several locations in the densely populated slum pockets.
Deputy police commissioner, Zone VI, Dilip Sawant, said "Initially, people from the locality were against the installation of CCTV cameras. Many tried to damage them. It was after some time that people realised how the cameras helped reduce crimes, as people involved in criminal activities grew fearful that they were being watched round the clock."
He added: "People are now protecting the CCTV cameras and want to be protected by them. The cameras are monitored 24x7 by officials from police stations and beat chowkies. They helped in the detection and control of crime on several occasions."
The cameras, which are all of high resolution and can function in low light, are regularly maintained by a private agency. They can withstand rains and can function in any kind of weather.
A senior police officer said areas like Barman Patri, Qureshi Nagar, and Vatsala Tai Nagar, which were safe havens for vagabonds and anti-social elements, have been rid of them after the introduction of the e-surveillance system. Record sheet criminals do not venture into these areas, which were earlier not easily accessible to the police. He added: "After the three cases of rape-and-murder of minors, parents approach the police as soon as their child goes out of their sight. All camera recordings are checked and monitoring is intensified to know the whereabouts of the kid. This has helped us on several occasions."
Shabir Shaikh, a senior citizen from Qureshi Nagar, said, "The fear of being watched by the police has made goons and criminals flee from the area. Earlier, when women had to step out of the house, they had to be accompanied by men. Now, they move about freely in the by-lanes even late at night."
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