Drones have been employed in densely populated clusters in north Kolkata — like Hatibagan and Shyambazar — and in the extreme south — like Patuli and Panchasayar — to keep an eye on peple defying lockdown rules. Lalbazar sources said the use of drones helps them to check possible lockdown violations and also alert neighbouring police commissionarates in case of disturbances at borders.
“We plan to use drones in two specific zones — the bylanes of certain pockets where mere police booths are not enough and patrolling is not always possible and two, at market places that often witness crowds and hence is a threat to lockdown rules,” said a police officer. Sources hinted that these might be trial runs for more extensive use of drones when the complete lockdown is implemented in certain pockets.
“It has become a regular part of policing. In the current situation, we are flying drones over places where we suspect violations. We are identifying those places and ensuring that police are deployed immediately and the violators are booked. It is a great tool in situations where physical contact is to be avoided,” said an officer.
Police are also visiting all religious shrines and informing people that any congregation is banned throughout April. This was after reports came in from the special branch that Neel Sasthi on Sunday can see a sizeable gathering at local temples. “We are meeting the priests and telling them that they cannot allow any congregation,” said an officer from the south division.
Source: Times of India
