Kaaval Karangal shows the human side of Chennai police force

Khaki-clad Chennai police show their compassionate side through Kaaval Karangal, rescuing homeless, reuniting families, and providing support.

The men in Khaki are always seen as tough persons with an intimidating demeanour to people in Chennai. But, however, they also have a softside, and the success of the ‘Kaaval Karangal’ is testament to that human side. 

Kaaval Karangal, an initiative of the Greater Chennai Police, has evolved into a distinct rescue force of homeless persons and elders who are shunted out of their homes. The unit has been carved out from the police control room into a separate unit through the helpline 944471717100. Started in April 2021, they have rescued a total of 7,721 homeless persons.

The unit, first in the country, has brought accolades to the city police with the Skoch award in 2022 for police and safety. They have also been recognised by the State government with the ‘Best Practices award’ in 2022. 

M.S. Bhaskar, Assistant Commissioner of Police (PRO) of the City police, and an important official in starting the unit, said that as per Mental Health Care Act 2017, the police officials have a responsibility to rescue homeless and destitute persons. Having been involved in rescuing senior citizens who are unwanted by their children and persons who were suffering from diseases and were left on the platforms, Mr. Bhaskar, despite wearing the Khaki dress, found difficulties in safely rescuing them and putting them in shelters because of the absence of any formal rules.

He said the first task initiated by the then City Police Commissioner, Shankar Jiwal, after taking over, was strengthening the Kaaval Karangal by putting in place a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) by roping in night shelters of Chennai Corporation, Health department, 108 Ambulance service, volunteers of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and private homes. 

The unit, with various department support, provides medical care, protection, and counselling for reuniting the abandoned persons with their children by tracing their family members. 

Kaaval Karangal unit Inspector Mary Reju said the unit has widened its scope in not only rescuing and sheltering homeless persons and mentally challenged persons but also in distributing foods and helping homeless people of other States to rejoin via Karunai Payanam.