Smartphones and the popular chat messenger WhatsApp have now turned into an effective weapon against errant policemen with Delhi Police launching a new anti-corruption helpline where one can send audio or video clips if any cop seeks bribe or harasses a person.
The new helpline number, 9910641064, has been started on August 6 where one can not only just call and register your complaint but also send a recorded audio or video clip if any police man harasses a person or demands bribe.
“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 Deputy Commissioner of Police (Vigilance) Sindhu Pillai.
Delhi Police has given advertisements in all popular Hindi and English newspapers as well as on FM channels to raise awareness about the new helpline.
The new helpline is the brainchild of Delhi Police Commissioner B S Bassi who wants the force to be corruption free.
“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,” said Pillai.
Anybody who will be found guilty in this connection will be 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 and other sections under the Indian Penal Code.
If found guilty, the officer will be suspended and arrested immediately, police said.
“Other than sending the audio-video clip on the popular messaging App, people can also email them to jtcp-vigilance-dl@nic.in,” said Pillai.
The Whatsapp helpline is in addition to the existing helpline numbers — 1064 and 1800111064 — which at present has four lines attended by at least 20 constables and head constables who work round the clock under the guidance of an inspector.