Mahima Sikand | TNN (THE TIMES OF INDIA; September 25, 2011)

 

Mumbai: The Mumbai police have come up with a slew of innovative measures to tackle the menace of fake policemen.

The Amboli police station has roped in Bhojpuri director, Moncy Shahnawaz, to help them spread awareness. Shahnawaz has produced two documentaries showing how people are duped and outlining the modus operandi of these gangs. These documentaries are now being screened in movie halls and on cable channels. There are plans to start showing them in some colleges. “The idea is to raise awareness among the public. Most of the victims are senior citizens, so we are showing the movies on Aastha and spiritual channels,” said Vishwas Nangre-Patil, additional commissioner of police (Western Region). The police have also started visiting spiritual gatherings to educate senior citizens.

The police have also taken the help of 50 elderly women to help bust the network of fake cops. The women are given a few bogus ornaments and two-three escorts who follow them. These decoy operations are intended to catch the culprits red-handed. “We have been carrying out these operations for the past week and so far, no crime has been reported. The increase in patrolling by constables along all roads has ensured that such incidents have dramatically gone down,” said Nangre-Patil.

The emphasis on senior citizens stems from the fact that they are the worst affected by this menace. Nangre-Patil explains how these people operate. More >