From recovering lost baggage to saving lives, 34 SOS alerts sent through safety islands of Bengaluru police
The Hindu
Bengaluru Safe City project enhances public safety with emergency call buttons, aiding in swift police response to incidents.
There was an accident involving a car and a food delivery person’s vehicle on July 16 on 80-Feet Road in Ashwathnagar around 2.30 a.m. Around four to five bystanders immediately assembled, and someone dialled 112 as the delivery person was seriously injured. In the meantime, they also realised that the Bengaluru City Police’s safety island was right there, and immediately pressed the button.
“The command centre dispatched a Hoysala car and an ambulance to the spot. Before the ambulance could reach, the police reached the spot and transported the victim to the hospital,” said a staff member working at the command centre.
This is one of the many instances where the safety islands, which were set up in 2023, have been of help. Safety islands with emergency call buttons connected to the Bengaluru Safe City Command Centre were set up under the Bengaluru Safe City project. These were installed in spots vulnerable to crime at Hebbal, Electronics City, Yeshwantpur, V.V. Puram, and other areas.
“On April 7, on the same 80 Feet Road, passers-by noticed a person trying to end their life. They quickly pressed the SOS button, and the Hoysala police soon reached there. They spoke to the individual, and brought the person to the police station and then arranged for counselling,” said a staff member.
From June 2023 to July 2024, the command centre received 35 actionable alerts and 2,500 prank alerts from the safety islands.
“This is a first-of-its kind initiative in Bengaluru. While our motive is to provide emergency service to people, some also misuse the facility,” said Kshama Mishra, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), command centre.
The actionable alerts are usually related to theft, accidents, narcotics, and conflicts. “Most people dial 112 on their phones, but those who lose their phones use the safety islands. We have got a few cases of mobile theft through these alerts,” the staff member said.
BJP Puducherry president V. P Ramalingam files nomination for Raj Bhavan, joined by Union Minister Mandaviya and Khushbu Sundar.
History-sheeter 'Thoppai' Ganesh shot dead by police in Chennai after attacking officers during attempted escape.
The government plans to amend the FCRA, introducing new regulations for NGO asset management and accountability for key functionaries.
The draft policy for “Responsible Digital Use Among Students”, released on Monday by the Department of Health and Family Welfare, has recommended that parents set structured routines with clear screen-time rules and prioritise privacy, safety, and open conversation with children on digital well-being.
Police Observer Sushant Kumar Saxena conducts surprise inspection at Shencottai police station, reviewing warrants and security arrangements ahead of elections.
Andhra Pradesh government to launch key projects in April, focusing on industrial growth and infrastructure development, says Nara Lokesh.
Lok Sabha refers the Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill to a JPC amid opposition concerns over CSR provisions dilution.
SHG members in Kanniyakumari use snakes and ladders to raise election awareness and boost voter turnout.
Government accelerates consultations for early implementation of the Women’s Reservation Act to ensure women’s representation in 2029 elections.
CM A. Revanth Reddy distributes ₹1 crore insurance cheques to families of deceased Electricity department employees, enhancing financial security for workers.
The Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) registered 634 cases of drunk driving during a week-long special enforcement drive conducted across the city between March 16 and March 22.
GHMC intensifies action against property tax defaulters, seizing properties and offering a One Time Settlement scheme for payments.
CCB arrests three drug peddlers in Mangaluru, seizing ₹2.5 lakh worth of MDMA and other valuables.