SSP cracks down on cops fiddling with phones on duty

PRAYAGRAJ: Playing games, using Facebook or chatting with friends on their smart phones while on duty, will now cost police personnel of Prayagraj dear. Strict action will be taken against policemen found busy on their phones at checkpoints, during patrolling or performing other duties.

SSP Sarvshrestha Tripathi on Tuesday took action against six police personnel at Dhobhi Ghat crossing who were busy with their phones even as the senior official was on a routine inspection of the checkpoints and crossings.

The phones of the policemen were seized on the instructions of the SSP and disciplinary action will be taken against them.

Tripathi said that while inspecting checkpoints in the city to ensure that Covid-19 protocols were being followed and action was being taken against those violating rules and not wearing masks, he observed that policemen were busy with their smart phones at the Dhobhi Ghat crossing.

The personnel remained oblivious to the official’s presence even when the SSP came out of his vehicle. Their phones were seized and disciplinary action ensured against them.

“Personnel on duty found busy with their smart phones, portrays a negative image of policemen among citizens and sends a wrong message to society. They should always be alert and mindful of their duties. The use of mobile phones for official work or making necessary calls is not prohibited but using mobiles for entertainment purpose while on duty will not be tolerated. Now regular drives will be carried out to check if personnel are alert at checkpoints and action will be taken against those found showing negligence,” the SSP said.