Lucknow: In a commendable move, Agra police have been personally delivering copies of FIRs to complainants’ doorsteps. Over the past week, more than 70 such deliveries have taken place, earning appreciation from residents. The initiative, led by Agra’s new police commissioner, J Ravinder Goud, aims to streamline the complaint process and ensure swift action.
Purushottam Singh, a beneficiary of this approach, shared, “My motorcycle was stolen on January 25. I filed a complaint, and within 24 hours, a copy of the FIR was delivered to my house. The cops assured me of taking necessary action over my complaint.”
Commissioner Goud, a 2005 batch IPS officer, said, “Directives have been issued to ensure no legitimate complaint to register an FIR is turned down. It is the right of the complainant to get a certified copy of the FIR.”
Under Goud’s leadership, police constables have been designated as “Beat Police Officers” (BPOs) in a move to enhance community policing. “Around 1100 BPOs have been assigned area-specific duties, each covering a population of approximately 3000 people. They are empowered with added responsibilities, including reaching out to applicants for verification processes and handling primary investigations,” the officer said.
Goud added, “The BPOs will now have the power to execute summons and notices and take preventive action in case or possibility of a dispute.” Additionally, BPOs are encouraged to form Whatsapp groups for effective communication with different sections of society.
Human rights activist Naresh Paras praised the initiative, stating, “The initiative to provide FIRs at the doorstep of the complainant is a welcome move by the Agra police. The renewed beat policing initiative will help in bridging the gap between the police and common people.”
