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Reported By Varad Bhatkhande
Pimpri Chinchwad, 4th September 2024: Today, Pimpri Chinchwad Commissioner of Police Vinoy Kumar Choubey hosted a virtual town hall meeting on X (formerly Twitter) to address residents’ concerns. The event, using the hashtag #VirtualTownHall_CPPCCity, was well-received, with CP Choubey responding to many questions and suggestions. Originally scheduled from 4 to 5 PM, it was extended for over two hours due to high engagement.
Topics included installing CCTV cameras to monitor traffic violations, issuing e-challans, increasing night patrols, and improving response facilities like the 112 App. Concerns were also raised about annual school audits, mandatory staff character verification, enforcing security guard requirements, and POCSO case handling training for police officers. Suggestions included creating WhatsApp groups, special cells, and helplines for senior citizens, single individuals, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQIA+ community. Other proposals involved publishing a list of offenders on the police website, forming Police-Citizen teams, holding public awareness sessions on gender sensitivity, and setting up more police chowkies.
On his X account, Choubey addressed child safety in schools, referencing the Maharashtra School Education and Sports Department’s latest guidelines. These include installing CCTV cameras in all schools, mandatory police verification of staff, anonymous complaint boxes for students, and forming dedicated Student Safety Committees.
Choubey also discussed POCSO training and the “One Day For School” initiative, which focuses on educating students. He acknowledged concerns about issues after school hours and assured that patrols would be increased. He emphasized that calling 112 ensures prompt assistance. Regarding school employee verification, he mentioned that clear instructions were given during a recent meeting with school staff.
Traffic congestion remains a significant issue. Choubey acknowledged the problem, exacerbated by ongoing rains, but assured that the Traffic Branch, PCMC, PWD, and NHAI are addressing critical points like Mukai Chowk and Pimpri Chowk. Proposed solutions include road widening, removing encroachments, regulating heavy vehicles, creating free left turns, and increasing traffic personnel.
He also addressed traffic issues on Pune-Nashik Road and in Chakan, noting that work is in progress. For Hinjawadi, Choubey agreed to arrange a meeting with Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Bapu Bangar. He shared statistics on enforcement actions and promised intensified efforts, with ongoing coordination for road widening and repairs. Measures are being implemented at key junctions, including Bhumkar Chowk, Tathawade, and Punawale.
Choubey warned about cybercrime scams involving impersonators and advised investing only through SEBI-registered brokers. He urged caution with online task offers, and utility bill frauds, and emphasized reporting cyber frauds immediately on the National Cyber Crime Portal or by calling 1930. With the rise in mobile phone use among children, parents should guide internet use, avoid fraudulent links, and enable parental controls. He reported 216 online task fraud cases this year, with 72 suspects arrested and over Rs. 2.5 crore refunded to victims. Additionally, Rs. 27 crore in fraud amounts has been successfully placed on hold.
Personal issues were directed to the concerned Police Inspector, with contact details provided. He concluded by discussing Ganesh Utsav’s preparations, including the introduction of the ‘Moraya Award’ for the best eco-friendly Ganesha mandals. Emphasis will be placed on traffic regulation and adherence to noise pollution guidelines. Feedback is welcome.
Some Questions Couldn’t Be Answered or Were Ignored
Some questions or suggestions, including those about creating a special cell or WhatsApp group for senior citizens, single individuals, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as listing offenders on the website, were not addressed. There was also no discussion on plans for Police-Citizen teams or public awareness sessions on issues such as gender sensitivity, cat-calling, and inappropriate comments towards women. The demand for increased police chowkies was also overlooked, as were concerns about the lack of response from online complaint numbers and helplines. Additionally, issues with PMPML buses and drivers engaging in reckless driving, running signals, and private vehicles on BRT routes were ignored. While some believed these issues were not addressed due to time constraints, others expressed disappointment, feeling that such matters are consistently neglected.
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