Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Police’s “Ek Pahal” campaign, launched on August 12, concluded after an impressive response from the community, with 88,447 calls made by vigilant citizens across the state. The campaign, aimed at boosting community policing and encouraging good Samaritans to report emergencies, has been hailed as a success in promoting public participation in crime prevention and crisis response.
Overview of the Campaign
The “Ek Pahal” initiative was spearheaded by Prashant Kumar, the Director General of Police, as part of a strategy to enhance citizen engagement in maintaining law and order in the state. Running for 107 days, the campaign encouraged residents to report any suspicious activities, emergencies, or crimes through the UP-112 emergency hotline, which is a crucial part of the state’s policing infrastructure.
The initiative not only sought to empower the community in the fight against crime but also aimed to make people more proactive in offering assistance to those in distress. The overwhelming response indicated that the people of Uttar Pradesh were ready to actively contribute to public safety and well-being.
Call Data and Impact
The campaign received a total of 88,447 calls from the public, with 86,341 calls requesting direct police intervention. These calls varied from reporting crimes, accidents, and suspicious activities, to more specific emergencies, demonstrating a growing awareness and willingness among the public to assist in maintaining safety.
Additionally, 2,106 calls were made by Good Samaritans who reported incidents to help individuals in immediate danger or to preserve lives. This surge in community involvement has shown that the public is becoming more conscious of the impact of timely intervention in emergencies.
A remarkable example of the campaign’s success came in September when a resident from Baghpat noticed an attempted kidnapping. The citizen immediately called UP-112, which led to the swift action of the police. As a result, the victim was rescued, and two suspects, Rahul and Lalit, from Gurugram, Haryana, were arrested. The two men were later found to be wanted in a similar case in Haryana, highlighting the significance of community vigilance and its potential to solve cases quickly.
Recognition of Good Samaritans
The UP Police took special care to honor the 20 Good Samaritans who played pivotal roles in saving lives during the campaign. These individuals were recognized for their quick thinking and willingness to assist strangers in distress. The recognition emphasized the importance of citizens’ proactive role in contributing to public safety.
Statement from Authorities
Neera Rawat, the Additional Director General (UP 112), emphasized the importance of the campaign in fostering a culture of community responsibility. She assured the public that the identities of those who made calls would be kept confidential, ensuring that citizens could report emergencies without fear of retribution. “By acting promptly, citizens can not only save lives but also strengthen law and order,” she said.
Mohini Pathak, Additional Superintendent of Police (UP 112), noted that the initiative had resulted in an increase in calls from good Samaritans. She highlighted that the UP-112 emergency service typically receives over 30,000 emergency calls daily, and the success of the campaign demonstrated that the public was becoming more involved in safeguarding their communities.
Significance of the Campaign
The “Ek Pahal” campaign not only enhanced the effectiveness of the emergency response system but also fostered a sense of unity and shared responsibility among the citizens of Uttar Pradesh. It demonstrated that a proactive and engaged community could play a vital role in crime prevention, emergency response, and public safety.
The initiative also helped raise awareness about the importance of quick action in emergencies, underscoring the message that every citizen can make a difference in a crisis situation. The campaign’s success provides a model for other regions to implement similar programs and can serve as a blueprint for enhancing public participation in law enforcement efforts.
The success of the “Ek Pahal” campaign reflects a significant shift towards community-driven policing in Uttar Pradesh. The collaboration between the public and law enforcement agencies has proven to be an effective way to address crimes, prevent accidents, and save lives. With the rise in the number of calls from Good Samaritans, it is clear that the people of Uttar Pradesh are committed to ensuring their communities remain safe, making a meaningful contribution to law and order in the state.
