Latest news with #Lalbazar
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
‘Chair lift' for elderly, disabled at Kolkata's Behala Police Station
Kolkata: In a bid to provide relief to the elderly and the disabled complainants, the Kolkata Police will install a 'chair lift' at the Behala Police Station. Lalbazar has floated tenders in this regards. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The cops stated that they have allotted around Rs 2 lakh to install this special lift, where one needs to sit, and the machine will go up using the railings. Currently, even the elderly and the disabled persons are forced to cross a flight of stairs right at the entrance to lodge their complaints with the cops. "This will not be allowed to be used by everyone but only those in need. We are trying to make all our police stations inclusive and this step is another way of ensuring that we are on the right track," said an officer from the southwest division. Chair lifts, also known as stair lifts, are easy to operate. To use a stair lift, one needs to sit on the seat, put on the seatbelt, push and hold the paddle control, which is located on the armrest, and is able to move up or down the stairs. To stop the stair lift, the paddle control needs to be released, and the lift will stop moving. The paddle control can be put on the armrest. Two keyed remotes make the chair lift convenient for multiple users. If one is at the top landing of the staircase and the lift is at the bottom, he or she can push the "up" arrow button on the remote to send the chair to the top landing.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Be friends with kids, advise experts as cops flag Insta concerns
Kolkata: If you have a teenager, who spends a good part of the day on social media, it is important that you try and know how your ward is conducting himself or herself in the virtual world. With message to the parents, Lalbazar has asked them to be vigilant about their children's online activities, especially Instagram and FaceTime, to ensure they do not become victims of cybercrime. The Kolkata Police cyber cell has posted a 22-second video on their X handle in this regard. The post, in Bengali, aims to address a larger section of residents. "Be friends with your children. Teach them about the latest online crimes. Check where they are going and whom they are in touch with. Try to understand what they want. Do not merely rebuke them," stated the post. Cops stated that with cases of Instagram stalking and threats on the rise, parents need to "become friends" with their children and keep talking to them to understand what they are experiencing in the virtual world. "My child is in Class 8. At the end of the day, I make it a point to speak to him about his day, his interaction with friends, most of which happen online during the day. I have ensured that in this relationship, we trust each other," said Angshuman Roy, a techie residing at Patuli. Cops recalled how a parent had filed a case last year against a social media platform under the Pocso Act. The complaint alleged that the Meta-owned photosharing platform Instagram of hosting indecent content featuring children. A FIR was filed by the cyber police station of Dakshin Dinajpur named Instagram as a co-accused in an offence under Section 12 of the Pocso Act and Section 67 (B) of the IT Act, 2000. "I have a daughter who is entering college this year. Her life revcolves around Instagram. I have had number of conversations with her on this issue. Initially resistant, she now realizes that it is for her own good that I am kept in the loop. However, I make it a point not to intrude in her piracy," said Ritika Sen, a single mother. The post has also provided the 1930 number to report any cybercrime involving a child. The police have also asked anyone facing cyberbullying to contact the 1930 helpline number immediately for redress rather than suffer silently. "Children have access to smartphones from a very early age now. This results in easy access to the internet even as they remain unaware of the basic safeguards they need to maintain. Cyberbullying is a serious issue, where random people needlessly troll others insensitively during online interaction. Here, the role of the parent is important, and guiding the child—who can get easily influenced by peers—needs to be done. Hence, there is more need for cyber security awareness among children as well as the parents, which can keep the wards safe," said the officer. Shovana Mukherji, a counsellor who specializes in conseling minors insist that parental involvement should be supportive not intrusive. "While monitoring is understandable, it should be done transparently with an emphasis on open conversation. Excessive monitoring can damage trust, sense of self-identity, increase secrecy and strain the parent-child relationship. Instead of only monitoring content, parents should be encouraged to educate the vulnerable children about safe online practices," said Mukherji. Schools are also aware of the social media challenges and are encouraging parents to play an important role in preventing children. Rishi Aurobindo Memorial Academy principal Bobby Baxter said, "We understand that social media can be a powerful tool for communication and self-expression, but it can also be misused in ways that can harm individuals. We educate our students and parents through awareness and workshop programmes and counselling with the help of the local cyber cell. " Bivas Chatterjee, special PP and cyber law expert, stated that there should be caution in uploading a child's information. "Whether it is the Pocso Act or Juvenile Justice Act, the child's rights are protected. The US and European nations are dealing with multiple suits on this issue. It just goes on to show that a child's rights are sacrosanct, and parents have a responsibility in safeguarding the same," said Chatterjee.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Time of India
Kol cops order 18 new sirens for police stations
1 2 Kolkata: Weeks after the Union home ministry directed the states to be war-ready by carrying out emergency drills, where sirens were to play a vital part, Kolkata Police has decided to set up sirens — similar to ones in north and south Kolkata — across its new divisions of Jadavpur, Behala, and Bhangar. In all, 18 sirens will be installed, said sources. Lalbazar has floated tenders for four police stations at Bhangar and at Netaji Nagar. The other police stations will eventually acquire the sirens. According to the tender document, the sirens should be electronically operated, with an operating voltage of 220VAC (+/-5%) 50Hz single-phase and a range of 400 m-500 m (diametrically). They will come equipped with an auto switch-over facility from AC to battery at the time of a power cut. There should be an additional option for a speaker as well. "These are the newer police stations. While the sirens at various police stations were last used for war purposes in 1971, the older ones were frequently used until the late 90s. Recently, when we began taking stock of the sirens following the Pahalgam attacks, we decided it was a handy device to alert hundreds at the same time. We chose those police stations where sirens did not exist before. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo For the record, a few police stations added to the KP area in the past 14 years, though, have sirens installed by Bengal Police," said an officer at Lalbazar. Police sources revealed that former commissioner Soumen Mitra requested a report on air sirens' conditions in police stations. While this initially sparked activity, the report was never completed after Mitra's retirement. This new initiative comes as part of a broader modernisation effort by Kolkata Police to enhance emergency response capabilities, claimed sources. Senior officials confirmed that the new installations will be integrated with the existing emergency response system and regular maintenance protocols will be established to ensure operational readiness. Local residents have welcomed the move. "Having a warning system in place will give us a sense of security," said Amit Banerjee, a resident of Netaji Nagar. The department has also announced plans to create a public awareness campaign about the various siren signals and appropriate responses, which will be rolled out alongside the installation process.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Time of India
Life more imp than playlist: KP reminds citizens
n A 28-year-old woman, Rina Bauri from Kacharipara off Science City, died after being run over by a govt bus near the Milan Mela stop while trying to cross the road when she had earphones on. Cops even found evidence of the bus driver applying brakes, indicating the accident could have been averted if the woman had used the underpass or had been able to hear the bus horn as well as pedestrians' shouts. n Three children were seriously injured near the Scottish Church School playground on Saraswati Puja after a biker — riding a high-end bike in a rash, negligent, and haphazard manner — lost control of his two-wheeler and crashed into them. He was using headphones and did not listen to warnings from passersby. Lalbazar has coined the slogan, "Your life is more precious than your playlist" and has begun a campaign across the city — both online and offline — on the use of earphones by pedestrians and motorists that is contributing to accidents. Citing the state transport department notification on Feb 1, 2018, classifying phone use while driving under "dangerous driving" — following a bus accident in Murshidabad that claimed 44 lives when a driver, reportedly on his phone, drove off a bridge — the cops said this distraction can prove costly. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Here's What a New Walk-in Shower Should Cost In 2025 Homebuddy Learn More Undo At least four such accidents have been reported this year, three involving bikers, though no death has been reported so far. The amended Section 184 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, now imposes stricter penalties, with fines ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 3,000, up from the previous Rs 100-Rs 300. Repeat offenders may face licence suspension. However, the notification's silence on Bluetooth devices and earphones has created a legal grey area. "With Bluetooth devices and earphones, it's challenging to determine if a motorist is on a call or listening to music. Either way, it's a distraction," said a senior Lalbazar police officer who requested anonymity. Section 218(2) of the Motor Vehicles Act explicitly prohibits earphone use while driving. Section 218(3) further bans the operation of various audio and video devices, including radio sets, video displays, and sound amplification systems. Traffic safety experts argue that any audio distraction, whether through phone calls or music, compromises driving safety. "The brain focuses more on the audio input and less on driving, increasing accident risks," explained a senior traffic officer. The ambiguity has left both law enforcement officers and motorists seeking clarity. While the basic prohibition on handheld phone use is clear, the application of the law to hands-free devices remains subject to interpretation. Legal experts suggest that until specific guidelines are issued, motorists should err on the side of caution and avoid using any audio device while driving. The police have indicated that enforcement will consider the broader safety implications rather than focusing solely on the method of communication.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Time of India
KP focus on ‘Bikash Bhavan-like protests'
1 2 3 Kolkata: Lalbazar has instructed all officers to remain vigilant, with a particular focus on intelligence gathering , to prevent a "Bikash Bhavan-like" protest. With the recent violence at the Kasba DI office still fresh in their minds, senior officers, led by commissioner Manoj Verma , have directed all police stations in Kolkata to be adequately prepared to handle flash protests. This was discussed at the monthly crime meeting on Saturday, with a review being conducted again on Monday. On the ground, Kolkata Police has decided to utilise not only the CCTV cameras monitored by the city force but also private ones to identify the movements of "outsiders" near Kasba District Inspector's office on April 9. Cops have also collected footage from shoulder cameras of officers present during the Kasba chaos. "Also under our radar are those who raised inflammatory slogans about burning down the office and those who later blocked Gariahat crossing on that day. We will send notices to these individuals after May 20," said an officer. Meanwhile, head of KP's detective department, Rupesh Kumar, has directed the force to launch a special operation against unresolved cases. In the meeting, commissioner Verma stated that some case diaries of sub-inspectors transferred from one police station to another remain incomplete, hindering investigations. Division deputy commissioners need to pay attention to this issue. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ótimas notícias para os cidadãos brasileiros! Leia mais Undo The trend of making reels in uniform is increasing among the lower ranks of Kolkata Police. Commissioner Manoj Verma clearly stated that such behaviour will no longer be tolerated in a disciplined force like the police. Any officer caught making reels in uniform will face strict punishment.
