Take steps for protection of senior citizens, orders DGP

Director general of police Sulkhan Singh on Wednesday directed the inspectors general of police, DIGs and superintendents of police to take effective measures for protection of senior citizens.

Singh said a list of senior citizens will be prepared at the police station level. A policemen accompanied by a social worker will meet senior citizens once a month. A volunteer committee will be constituted at the police station level to coordinate between the police and senior citizens, he said.

Singh said the station house officer (SHO) will maintain a separate register regarding crime against senior citizens. The SHOs will send a monthly report to the SP over crime against senior citizens. The police will also verify the domestic helps of senior citizens, he said.

To strengthen the security of senior citizens, the district police will organise community policing with resident welfare associations, youth volunteers and non-government organisations, he said. The DGP’s move comes a day after dos and don’ts were issued for the UP Police on antiRomeo squads, with the new police chief making it clear that those indulging in rowdy behaviour need not be arrested and instead their guardians be called and briefed.

Sulkhan Singh also said that stern action should be taken against vigilantes indulging in violence or creating anarchy by taking the law in their hands in the name of cow protection or other issues.

The DGP, who held an important meeting with senior police officials of the state, issued necessary directives to all the district level officials through video conferencing on Monday night.

“Directives have been issued to all the SSPs/SPs to prepare standing orders for the anti-Romeo squads clearly

indicating the dos and don’ts,” the spokesman said.

“The SSPs/SPs have been asked to personally brief the squad that they do not have to investigate any issue and act only against the rowdy elements,” an official said. They have also been asked to record the action taken by them, he said. Anti-Romeo squads have been in the news for all the wrong reasons in Uttar Pradesh with the police accused of harassing innocent couples.